All users shall be entitled to universal service, regardless of location, with the exceptions listed in the
second and fourth paragraphs.
If it is considered necessary to ensure satisfactory electronic communications services at moderate
prices and such services cannot be provided if only commercial aspects are considered, PTA may
instruct an electronic communications undertaking which operates a public electronic communications
network or electronic communications services to provide universal service in its area of operation. PTA
may in special instances grant service providers an exemption from this provision.
Universal service shall include telephone service, manual service and service to disabled or users with
special social needs and data transmission service with a capacity of 128 Kb/s. PTA shall furthermore
ensure that users have access to at least one comprehensive telephone directory of all subscribers and
comprehensive direc-tory enquiry service. PTA may place obligations on electronic communications
under-takings to set up and operate public pay telephones and may decide upon their location.
If an electronic communications undertaking does not feel able to provide certain parties with universal
service, as provided for in the first paragraph, for instance, due to distance, cost or other difficulties, any
dispute concerning this refusal shall be sent to PTA for a decision.
PTA may set minimum quality requirements for universal service.
Article 20
Universal service obligations
PTA may designate one or more electronic communications undertakings to provide universal services,
cf. Article 19, in specific areas or for different types of service.
PTA shall monitor the tariffs charged for universal service and may determine maximum prices. The
same tariffs shall apply for universal services everywhere in the country.
The Minister of Communications shall issue a Regulation1) on universal service.
1)Reg. 641/2000, cf. 813/2000.
Article 21
Financial contributions for universal service
Should an electronic communications undertaking be of the opinion that universal service which it is
obliged to provide, cf. Article 20, is operated at a loss or is unprofitable, it may apply to be ensured
normal remuneration for the service in
question through financial contributions. Such a request shall be submitted to the PTA. Rules for the
calculation of the cost of universal service shall be published in a Regulation on universal service, as
referred to in Article 20.
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