Development of Universal and Rural Service Schemes

Development of Universal Service Procedures

Whilst the effective form of a universal service regime may be determined by the applicable legislation and regulations, and the organisational structures used to apply it, its efficiency of operation will rely on the use of relevant, effective and robust procedures.

InterConnect Communications’ regulatory and technical experts can assist regulatory authorities and other bodies charged with administering universal service with all aspects of designing, creating and implementing suitable operational procedures, including:

Universal Service Guidelines specifying the type and extent of service to be provided, the principles of calculating the avoidable net cost, and the detailed rules of compensation for and distribution of the financial burden related to universal service provision;
General administrative procedures and management processes to provide an operational framework within which regulatory staff should act when determining matters connected with universal service provision or funding;
Detailed financial procedures and requirements to govern the administration and management of the Universal Service Fund, contributions to it and payments from it;
Competitive award procedures (reverse auction, comparative selection process or other) to allocate universal service responsibilities in a manner which provides best value for money whilst preserving competition and fulfilling social objectives;
Contract negotiations, including the provision of standard contract documents and supporting schedules.

Past assignments in this area include:

Preparing formal Rules for the operation of a Universal Service Fund, supported by a detailed Procedures Manual for administrative staff and a standard contract for the provision of funded services in a large South Asian country;
Drafting detailed procedures to assist with the regulatory implementation of Universal Service Guidelines in a Middle Eastern country, including authorship of a detailed Procedures Manual for regulatory staff;
Reviewing complaint resolution and enforcement mechanisms employed by a Central European regulator in universal service provision.

Key Service Areas:

Universal & Rural Service

More Information?

For more information about InterConnect's Universal Service experience, please contact Hugh Collins by phone on +44 (0) 1291 638400.