Chapter 5

Universal Service Provision

202.   (1)   The Minister may direct the Commission to determine a system to promote the widespread availability and usage of network services and/or applications services throughout Malaysia by encouraging the installation of network facilities and the provision for network services and/or applications services in underserved areas or for underserved groups within the community.

           (2)   The Minister may make regulations under section 16 for the implementation of subsection (1). 

203.   (1)   A determination by the Commission under subsection 202 (1) shall include definitions of "underserved areas" and "underserved groups within the community "

           (2)   In determining the definition of "underserved areas" the Commission may have regard to -----

                   (a)   the level of competition in particular areas or places;

                   (b)   the availability of services in particular areas or places; and/or

                   (c)   the commercial viability of installing network facilities or providing 
                          network services or applications services in particular areas or 
                          places.

           (3)   In determining the definition of "underserved groups within the community" the Commission may have regard to -----

                   (a)   the availability of services to such groups; and/or 

                   (b)   any barriers to the use of available services.

         
204.   (1)   For the purposes of this Act, a fund to be known as the "Universal Service Provision Fund" ("USP Fund") is established and it shall be controlled and operated by the Commission.