Universal Service Fund

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Universal Service Fund Annual Report for 2011

	Universal Service Fund Annual Report for 2010
	2011 Universal Service Fund operating plan The Operating Plan is an annual policy document which highlights the overall goals, objectives and vision of the NTRC for the development in the telecoms sector in Grenada.

Introduction:

Pursuant to section 43 of the Telecommunications Act 31 of 2000, There shall be established a Fund to be known as the Universal Service Fund, which Fund shall be managed by the Commission in accordance with the Telecommunications (Universal Service Fund) Regulations SRO 21 of 2009

What is Universal Service Fund?

The Fund established for the promotion of Universal Service.
Universal Service includes the provision of:

1. Public voice telephony.
2. Internet access.
3. Telecommunication services to schools, hospitals and similar institutions, and the disabled and physically challenged.
4. Other services by which people access efficient, affordable and modern telecommunications.

The Fund will encourage efficient access to, and use of the telecommunication networks and services throughout Grenada, with special focus on rural, under- served and maritime areas, with a goal to help promote social, educational and economic development.

The Fund will also ensure the reasonable availability and affordability of basic and advanced telecommunications services, where commercial telecommunications market may be unable to deliver such services in a financially, viable manner independently, and also to the physically challenged, elderly and indigent communities.

Purpose of the Fund

The Fund shall be used by the Commission, on the recommendation of ECTEL, to compensate any telecommunications provider who is required to provide universal service by virtue of section 42 of the Act or to otherwise promote universal service.

Management of the Fund

As of the 17th April 2009, the Telecommunications (Universal Service Fund) Regulations 2009 were gazetted and came into operation. The aim of these Regulations is to provide for the efficient and effective management of the Universal Service Fund. The Regulations govern the way in which the Fund is managed. Along with these Regulations, there is the Universal Service Guidelines which, under Section 7 of the Telecommunication (Universal Service Fund) Regulations, have been issued and implemented for the proper operation of the fund. These Guidelines are an indication of policy and procedure that must be followed in the operation of the Fund.