The Universal Service Fund (USF) mission is to facilitate the provision of universal access to the information superhighway by stimulating and accelerating the deployment of broadband services island-wide. This is facilitated through the effective collection and astute management of the universal service levy and disbursing such funds in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner to fund appropriate projects.
Below are some important information about the Universal Service Fund, commonly referred to as “USF”:
- The Fund was established in 2005.
- It was formally known as The Universal Access Fund Company Limited.
- The Fund is financed through a levy of US$0.3 per minute on international calls to Jamaica, terminated to fixed lines and US$$0.2 on calls to mobile lines.
- Over $12 billion has been collected since the establishment of the Universal Service Fund (USF) 9 years ago.
- 190 Community Access Points (CAPs) have been established island wide. A Community Access Point is an internet service facility established in collaboration with community organizations and funded by the USF in furtherance of the Government’s Universal Service Obligation.
- Over $600 million has been spent on completing Community Access Points (CAPs) throughout the Island.
diG Deeper
- Click the link to find out what is the Universal Service Obligation?
- Click here to download USF Application and Approval Procedure.
