Collection of universal service levy to continue

KINGSTON — Cabinet has endorsed the continued collection of the universal service levy to fund obligations in accordance with the Telecommunications Act.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure yesterday (June 1) at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

“The levy is important due to its funding of the construction and expansion of critical telecommunications infrastructure for the purpose of universal access to the internet and other information and communications technology services,” Minister Vaz said.

Cabinet also approved the issuing of a new Ministerial Order for the payment of the levy in fulfilment of the statutory requirements articulated in section 38(d) of the Telecommunications Act.

“The new Ministerial Order will ensure the continuation of the levy regime after 31, May 2011, when the Ministerial Order, which established the regime, would expire. This will ensure that the Government could continue to finance its statutory obligations under the Telecommunications Act,” Minister Vaz pointed out.

He noted that primary schools, libraries and community centres are among the categories, which will be provided with services. “In addition, the process for the establishment of an island-wide Broadband Wide Area Network, which would help to further the objective of providing universal service particularly in rural areas, is in train,” Minister Vaz informed.

He noted that Cabinet further approved the amendment of Part VI (Universal Service) of the Telecommunications Act and the issue of drafting instructions to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel accordingly.

Key objectives of the Telecommunications Act are to promote and protect the interest of the public; promote universal access to telecommunications services for all persons in Jamaica; and to promote the telecommunications industry in Jamaica by encouraging economically efficient investment in, and use of, infrastructure to provide specified services in Jamaica.

By ALECIA SMITH, JIS Reporter