Management of Universal Service Fund (USF)

While market based outcomes are generally left to the workings of competitive forces, the need to ensure universal access and service to telecommunications to all has to be ensured in parallel.

Following the setting up of the operational framework of the Universal Service Fund in October 2008, the Authority has been tasked with the management of the said fund, ranging from the collection of monies from licensed operators to the disbursement of funds to selected recipients which have been earmarked for the concretisation of universal services, as decided upon by the ICTA Board, under the guidance of the USF Advisory Group.

Based on the consultations conducted by the Authority and in line with best international practices as upheld by the ITU, the following arrangements have been put in place.

It is established under the ICT Act 2001 that the Authority shall be the body designated to manage the USF. It is thus important to draw the management and organisational structure that fits within the Authority to handle the USF, while at the same time ensuring transparency, accountability and preserving autonomy. The following structure has been set up:

• The ICT Authority Board which is the board created under the Act.

• The USF advisory group which provides input, suggestions and ideas to the USF management concerning project priorities, operational plans, objectives and key issues. The group shall consist of appointed representatives from the industry, the government, public institutions with an emphasis on those most involved with fund activities, public operators, and consumer representatives.

• The USF fund administrator who oversees all fund activities.

• The project manager who is responsible for analysing market conditions, developing proposed project plans and acting as liaison with USF funding recipients in the implementation and evaluation of approved projects.

• Liaison officers: within the Authority (Engineers, attorneys, accountant, economist, etc…) will be responsible to extend professional support and resources in their fields of responsibility to the management.