Question : PROJECTS UNDER USOF

(a) whether several telecom operators are implementing various projects through Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) for the development and extension of communications system in rural areas of the country;

(b) if so, the names of the telecom companies alongwith the projects undertaken by each of them, project-wise;

(c) whether the works of various projects are not being completed as per the target;

(d) if so, the names of such projects alongwith the names of their implementing agencies; and

(e) the action taken by the Government against the defaulting operators/agencies alongwith the steps taken to expedite the delayed projects?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI MILIND DEORA)

(a)&(b) Yes, Madam. A statement indicating the project-wise details is at Annexure-I.

(c)&(d) A statement indicating the names of projects having delays in implementation is at Annexure-II.

(e) Penal action has been taken in the form of imposition of Liquidated Damage (LD) charges for such delays as per the provisions of the relevant agreement(s) signed with Infrastructure Providers (IPs)/Universal Service Providers (USPs). The Government has also set up a Committee on 15 July 2011 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Telecom) to consider all aspects of delay in rollout of mobile services under Shared Mobile Infrastructure Scheme of Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and suggest appropriate action that may be required to be taken in the facts and circumstances of the cases. The Committee has finalized its report recently and the same is under examination.Also the progress of USOF schemes are being reviewed regularly to expedite the rollout of schemes.