Are Telecom Universal Service Funds outdated?

Universal Service or Access Funds are a mechanism by which a national regulatory authority promotes access to telecommunication services for the remote regions of a country. Even though some USFs in developed countries have been shut down, a lot of new ones are being set up in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. But many voices question the validity of a USF in the 21st century. This position paper aims to provide a recourse to this resounding debate: Are USFs defunct or even more relevant in today's era?

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There are voices that question the validity of the Indian USOF even though it has funded connectivity projects in underserved regions of India. VNL's position paper seeks to examine both sides of the argument in 'Are Telecom Universal Service Funds outdated?'

Are Telecom Universal Service Funds Outdated?

Universal Service or Access Funds are a mechanism by which a national regulatory authority mandates, oversees and/or coordinates a set of subsidies and fees. Read More...

USFs - Passive funds or active instruments of social change?

Telecom USFs have been around in many countries, but are a relatively new construct in some others, especially in emerging nations. Read More...