~~Adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 23, 2006): Consultant to the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), Sonia Jorge is in the Federation to lay the ground work for the implementation of the Universal Service Fund in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The fund is established under the Telecommunications Act in ECTEL States to ensure that everyone in the country has access to Telecommunications and Information Technologies.
Ms. Jorge explained that the fund not only facilitate access to individuals but to institutions as well. She said a few years ago access meant simple access to telephone service, but in today's technologically advanced environment the fund must provide a mechanism to facilitate other types of Information and Communications Technologies to unserved areas and population groups.
~~Adz:Right~~It is envisioned that Universal Service will include basic telephone service, Internet access to telecoms services in schools, libraries, health centres and community centres, as well as other agencies that provide services that or use such technologies.
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) will set priority areas for the allocation of the fund.
These priority areas will be based on the facts in relation to current access to Information Technology and Telecommunications Service in communities around St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as from information gained from public and private consultations.
