EL SERVICIO UNIVERSAL DE TELECOMUNICACIONES

Authors

  • MATILDE CARLÓN RUIZ

Keywords:

public service, universal service, telecommunications.

Abstract

Telecommunications have been liberalized, replacing a classical public service model for a model based in their consideration as «general interest economic services». This means that a system of «public service obligations» have been settled in a difficult balance with free competition principles. One of these obligations is «universal service», by which a minimum standard of services and facilities at an affordable price and under quality requirements is fixed at European level for all citizens regardless of their geographical, physical of economical circumstances. This essay analyses the three main questions which are to be answered regarding this new technic: WHAT is covered by this guarantee; WHO is responsible for its provision and HOW MUCH does it cost and, how should it be financed, if required.

Published

2008-04-09