Universal Service

 ¹   The concept of Universal Service emanated from means the dire desire to bring telecommunication services to become within easy reach of all members of the society wherever they are without discrimination.

¹      This concept requires the establishment of centers that provide information and communication technologies within the proximity of all populated areas and secure the affordable access to such media.

¹      The provision of universal service became further more a dire necessity in the era of the convergence of information and communication technologies and services and a vital mean to bridge the digital divide and join with the international information society.

¹      Towards the realization of the objectives of universal service, NTC adopted a number of actions and policies. The main ones are:-

1)  The encouragement of any initiative to extend, upgrade and expand the telecommunication infrastructure to be in reach of all customers, particularly those in rural and remote zones. In this direction, NTC took the following actions:-

a.   Licensing of a second operator in the field of cellular mobile communications (AL Bashair, Areeba Co.) beside the first operator (Mobitel Co.) which was operating in this field since early 1997. AL Bashair, Areeba Co. has commenced its commercial operations as of July 14^th, 2005.

b.   Licensing of a second operator in the field of fixed communications (Kanartel Co.) beside the first operator (Sudatel) which was operating in this field since 1993. Kanartel Co. is expected to start its commercial operations in the 4^th quarter of 2005.

c. Licensing of several Internet Service Providers, ISPs, as well as  providers of other value-added services.

2)  Embodying granted licences  with obligations to serve the objectives of universal service and to provide means of access thereto. For instance, the license awarded to Kanartel Co. includes an obligation to establish 1500 universal service centers nationwide during its licence term.

3)  Reduction of prices to become affordable to all. Reductions are effected gradually each year. It is expected that competition among licensees would yield positive results in this direction.

4)  Establish of a “” with the objective of  proliferating telecommunication services among all populated, rural and remote areas and regions of low population density in such way that would provide affordable access thereto. The financial resources of this fund include:-

a.   A portion of the surplus of the NTC’s annual budget.

b.   Contributions to be granted by licensees in support of the Fund.

c.   Additional nominal fees on telecommunication service tariff as approved by NTC.

d. Any other resources as approved by NTC and endorsed by the competent authorities.

5)  Programs and projects currently adopted by the established Universal Service Fund are:-

a.   A Computer for every household.

b.   School Computers.

c.   Electronic Government Support.

d.   University Information Network.

e.         Provision of lap-top computers for university academic staff and senior public service staff.