Universal Access
In many developing countries, governments keen to encourage universal access to communications services have adopted Universal Service Funds as a funding mechanism.
Universal Service Funds levy contributions from mobile and fixed operators to subsidise the rollout of telecommunications networks in rural areas.
Our report
A GSMA report, ‘Universal Access - how mobile can bring communications to all’, examines how Universal Service Funds are currently meeting their objectives and what role mobile plays in delivering universal service and access.
The report makes a number of strong recommendations regarding Universal Service Funds:
- Governments should regard market forces as the primary means to extend access and connections to mobile communications. Universal service funds should play a secondary, 'last resort' role in the provision of access to communications
- The US$4.4 billion that has been accrued by universal service funds and has not yet been disbursed should be invested in mobile coverage rollout. This should be complimented by the reduction of other barriers to mobile usage, such as tax, as a matter of priority
- Universal service funds should only be used as a short to medium term policy tool, which should be phased out over time
- Universal service funds should be spent on the lowest cost access technology, typically mobile networks, which have been demonstrated to be the most efficient way to extend access to telecommunications
- Governments should make public their policies towards universal access, ensure transparency and review progress regularly
