Ensure that all persons have access to ICT at a reasonable rate Background One of the primary points of reforming the telecommunications sector is so that regulation is used to ensure that telecommunication services are provided efficiently and that they are available widely at affordable prices. Universal service was once thought of as having a telephone in every household. The incumbent Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has had the responsibility for ensuring that universal service is achieved. APUA consistent with international trends has traditionally, at its sole discretion, set the targets for number of lines to be introduced per year and where these telephone lines are to be deployed. The Central Government played less of an active role in this area. However, in this new globally competitive environment, universal service can no longer be left to APUA to determine, the responsibility now rests with the Regulator, in conjunction with the Government. Towards a Modern Universal Service Policy Antigua and Barbuda is moving towards having a more competitive market; the aim of more competition is seen as not only improving service levels and increasing choice, but also the stimulation of innovation and the development of new services, which respond to user needs. These aims are seen as complementary. In that sense the guarantee of universal service is a means of extending market benefits to all and not something to inhibit the development of effective competition or to replace market mechanisms for innovation. The Government with the implementation of this policy will ensure that basic telecommunications services are affordable, can be accessed by all the people of Antigua and Barbuda and consumer rights are safeguarded. Critical Information for the Creation of a Universal Service/Access Framework The following information will be obtained: • Telephone Penetration Rates • Computer Penetration Rates • Penetration of Fixed and Cellular Subscribers per population • Target Period for Network Connection and Supply Times • Target Period for Fault Repair, Repair Times and Compensation Schemes • Situation of low income or disabled users 8