Kivuva Thanks for sharing. This is a step in the right direction. My prayer is that these funds will be utilised to ensure that we increase uptake in ICTs. I see a number of issues which will need to be addressed quickly. 1. Revamp the USF Board to ensure all stakeholders are properly represented - From the Telcos and County Governments (So potentially regional USF Boards to ensure Mashinani (Grassroots) are properly addressed by the people who know the area best. 2. Deeper partnership with Telcos and Government. A good case is Halotel’s Partnership with the Tanzania Government to rapidly expand internet connectivity in the country. http://www.busiweek.com/index1.php?Ctp=2&pI=4606&pLv=3&srI=69&spI=221 <http://www.busiweek.com/index1.php?Ctp=2&pI=4606&pLv=3&srI=69&spI=221> 3. Shared Telco Infrastructure. The new CS has said that he will champion this. 4. Inexpensive reliable smart phones. Let’s ensure that USF becomes the driver to the Internet economy that it should have been years ago. Thanks & Regards Ali Hussein ali@hussein.me.ke +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: Abu-Jomo LinkedIn: http//ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim Blog: www.alyhussein.com

On Jan 19, 2016, at 10:54 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

http://www.nation.co.ke/business/Telcos-to-pay-more-for-ICT-access-fund/-/99...

Telecom firms will need to dig deeper into their pockets to fund a Sh100 billion programme aimed at providing ICT services in marginalised areas.

Canadian firm Intelecon Research and Consultancy Ltd, which is carrying out a new study on ICT access gaps on behalf of the Communications Authority (CA), said operators have so far contributed only Sh2.9 billion against the target.

The firm will deliver to the CA the results of the study by February 2016, when the programme is expected to be formally launched.

The study, which is benchmarked against best practices in Uganda, Tanzania and Pakistan, will help the CA to implement the Universal Service Fund (USF) that aims to close the ICT access gap in the country.

Intelecon is expected to develop an interactive online portal showing where the gaps exist as well as determine the exact cost of rolling out the services.

“USF levies will total Sh6.9 billion to Sh10 billion in the next 10 years,” stated the Intel

-- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya twitter.com/lordmwesh

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