PART V
UNIVERSAL ACCESS
22.
Universal Access Policy
(1)
After consultation with service providers, the LTA may propose, and the Minister may
approve, a policy setting out specific objectives and related principles and service obligations
relating to the provision of universal access to telecommunications services in Liberia.
(2)
In proposing a universal access policy, and in any implementation of that policy once
approved by the Minister, the LTA shall consider:
(3)
(a)
the objectives for the development of universal access;
(b)
the basic telecommunications services to be included in universal access
offerings;
(c)
the geographical areas in which specified levels of universal access should be
achieved; and
(d)
the costs of the universal access service obligations.
In implementing a universal access policy approved by the Minister the LTA shall also
ensure that any universal access obligations of service providers:
(a)
are administered in a legally transparent, non-discriminatory and
competitively neutral manner; and
(b)
are not more burdensome than necessary for the universal access objectives
to be achieved.
(4)
The LTA shall consult with service providers and other interested parties when preparing a
universal access policy.
23.
Universal Access Fund
(1)
Following approval of a universal access policy the Minister may approve a regulation
prepared by the LTA to establish a Universal Access Fund to be used to subsidize, in whole
or in part, the net costs of providing universal access.
(2)
An account called the Universal Access Fund shall be established as an “Escrow Account” in
a registered and recognized bank in Liberia. Any disbursement from the Universal Access
Account shall be in line with the Universal Access Policy and shall meet the approval of the
Legislature.
(3)
Operation of the Universal Access Fund shall be subject to specific reporting, accounting and
audit requirements established by the Ministry of Finance; and to include budget approval
process to the Legislature established by other laws.
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