Ensuring Access to Affordable Telecommunication Services throughout Underserved Communities in St Lucia.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) was established in 2009 by the Telecommunications Act (‘The Act’).
In accordance with the Telecommunications (Universal Service Fund)Regulations 2008, Universal Service includes the provision of:
• Public voice telephony;
• Internet access;
• Telecommunications services to schools, health institutions and similar institutions and the physically challenged; or
• Other service by which people access efficient, affordable and modern telecommunications.
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, (NTRC) has been tasked with its management, while its source of funding is from the
Telecommunications Providers as specified by The Act. The Fund supports the expansion of telecommunication services particularly to the underserved who currently do not have sufficient access. The aim of the Fund is to provide telecommunication services which are readily accessible and affordable.