Telcos contribute $9 million to USO fund

14 Dec 2018 2115 | Business & Trade Fairs

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) yesterday said telecommunications companies contributed $9 million to the Universal Service Obligation (USO) fund established for the Telecommunications and ICT sector last year.

The government used the fund to strengthen communication connectivity with the construction of 41 new stations throughout the country, said a report from the MPTC.

In 2017, the government approved funds for the building of 41 new stations and the upgrading and re-configuration of 90 existing ones. All the stations are for 3G and 4G coverage.

The report said the construction of seven new stations was completed in November, 19 are under construction and will be completed by February 2019, and the 15 others faced flood issues that slowed their progress.

The delays at the construction sites are expected to be resolved soon given the project deadline is April 2019.