(a) whether the private basic telecom operators have failed in fulfilling their obligation
of providing telephone facilities in the rural areas;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to make the provisions of IT and Telecom agreements
more stringent;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor;
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) & (b) All the Basic Private Service Operators (BPSOs), who had roll-out obligation
for providing Village Public Telephones (VPTs) on the basis of old licenses, have migrated
to Unified Access Service License (UASL) in November, 2003. According to the guidelines of
UASL, there is no requirement of mandatory coverage of rural areas by the licenses. The
requirement of access in rural areas is now met from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
All telecom service providers except value added service providers like Internet Service
Providers (ISPs), Voice Mail and E-Mail etc. are contributing Universal Service Levy (USL)
@ 5% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) for meeting Universal Service Obligation.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise in view of (c) above.
(e) Does not arise in view of (a) and (b) above.