"The following report examines Universal Service Funds (‘USFs’) in 23 Sub-Saharan African (‘SSA’) countries These USFs are examined in a global context i.e., taking into account their characteristics and performance when measured against an additional 46 USFs in the Arab States, the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific (an overall total of 69 countries studied). The report draws on information used to prepare global USF overview reports for both the GSMA and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) over the last two and a half years. In general, there are significant deficiencies in fund structure, management and operation throughout the SSA region. In fact, if it is not possible to disband the majority of the funds and return the monies collected, then these USFs will require significant reform and restructuring in order to be transformed into functional and effective investment support vehicles for unserved and underserved areas in SSA." (Executive summary, page 6)

"One of the principal policy goals of telecommunications regulators and ministries is to make telecommunications services accessible to the widest number of people at affordable prices. Liberalisation of telecommunication markets and promotion of competition have delivered telecommunications services to the vast majority of the world’s population. The concept of Universal Service is to provide each individual with telecommunications services at affordable prices. This is basically underpinned by the following three principles: Availability: the level of service is the same for all users in their place of work or residence, at all times and without geographical discrimination; Affordability: For all users, the price of the service should not be a factor that limits service access; Accessibility: All telephone subscribers should be treated in a non-discriminatory manner with respect to the price, service and quality of the service, in all places, without distinction of race, sex, religion, etc." (Page 11)