7. Identification of projects to fund.
When identifying the projects to be funded by the Universal Service Fund, the
Commission—
(a) Shall promote the establishment of efficient, self-sustaining projects, that will
expand access to communications systems and services on their own initiative and
with minimal funding;
(b) May support projects that are not economically feasible without support of the
Fund;
(c) May support projects to the extent necessary to create adequate economic
incentives for investors.
8. Management of the Fund.
Pursuant to section 84J of the Act, the Commission shall collect and disburse the
funds of the Fund in accordance with the Act and—
(a) Establish administrative mechanisms, systems and structures for proper
management of the Universal Service Fund;
(b) Supervise and provide broad policy directions for the management of the Fund
and Universal Service Programs;
(c) Develop specific indicators of communications access;
(d) as far as practicable, apply a competitive selection process to select
beneficiaries of the Fund;
(e) Develop appropriate socio-economic criteria for identifying the geographical
areas, population groups, institutions and organizations that may be eligible to
benefit from the Fund;
(f) Develop criteria for evaluating project proposals for funding;
(g) Monitor and evaluate the fund projects; and
(h) Formulate the annual operating plans of the Fund.