​Session 2: Application of Universal Service Fund (USF)

Achieving universal, affordable internet access was a key social and economic priority for countries around the world, and most countries had policies in place to ensure that internet access and use became a reality for all. To this end, many countries had established Universal Service Funds (USF) dedicated to expanding connectivity opportunities to unserved and underserved communities. The main objectives of the session were to discuss the economic and policy incentives for the proliferation of affordable data services, especially in unserved/underserved areas, and the role of the USF in this.​

​Session 3: Internet exchange points and best practices for international internet connectivity

This session discussed the role that Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) could play in making International Internet Connectivity more affordable and shared best practices and policy measures from countries that had implemented IXPs and the impact on the International Internet Connectivity cost.

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This session discussed the Internet supply chain from the first mile-middle mile to the last mile, focusing on both traditional and emerging business models for the provision of Internet connectivity. The session sought to unpack the traditional ISP 3 Tier models focusing on public peering, private peering, and the costing of transit connections, as well as emerging business models covering peering arrangements between access networks/telecom operators and content providers. The discussion also touched on the various Internet access/connection methods and emerging technologies at the end-user level.​

Moderator: Hilda Mutseyekwa, Vice Chair FG CD

Moderator: Umar Ssemakula​, Senior Officer, Competition and Pricing, Uganda Communications Commission