ITU-T Work Programme

[Declared patent(s)]

Work item:

DSTR-USO

Subject/title:

Regional Technical Report (AO) on economic and policy factors relevant to the provision of Universal Service Obligations (USO)

Status:

Under study [Issued from previous study period]

Approval process:

Agreement

Type of work item:

Technical report

Version:

Equivalent number:

Timing:

2024-08 (Medium priority)

Liaison:

Supporting members:

India, ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI), Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI), Nepal, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Summary:

Like any other economic proposition, broadband development is also primarily driven by demand. However, to shore up demand, there should be a good business case for investors where a decent return on investment is ensured. In rural areas, owing to several reasons, such as absence of network, low literacy levels, poor electricity connections, accessibility issues, low paying capacity and little or no availability of local content, growth of broadband is impeded. Considering the importance of Last mile connectivity to the rural and remote areas and the need for a collaborative approach to have an efficient and affordable connectivity ecosystem, India feels that a new work item on study of economic and policy factors related to the Universal service obligations can be created as a regional study for the benefit of all member-states in this Asia-Oceania region. The proposed outline for the study is suggested below, Scope & Introduction of Universal Service Obligation Policy and Economic challenges pertaining to last mile connectivity rural and remote areas Country-specific case studies and best practices Policy and Economic deliverables for Universal service Last Mile Connectivity models Conclusion

Comment:

ITU-T SG3RG-AO

Reference(s):

[SG3RG.AO-C4 (2025-02; under discussion)

]