The Russian government has expanded the list of areas to which funds from the universal service obligation (USO) reserve can be directed. Now, these funds can be used not only to provide basic communication services but also for large-scale infrastructure projects, including laying fiber-optic communication lines (FOCL) to remote settlements.
According to the new rules, part of the funds will also be directed to the development and implementation of promising communication technologies, including equipment modernization. This decision should accelerate the elimination of the digital divide and improve the quality of communication in hard-to-reach regions.
The universal service reserve is formed from deductions from telecom operators (1.2% of revenue) and has traditionally been used to provide universal communication services (telephony, internet in socially significant facilities) and support the database of ported numbers (MNP). Now, the construction of FOCL – connecting remote settlements to high-speed internet, as well as funding for innovation – grant support for the development of new telecom technologies, have been added to these areas.
The government will determine the list of settlements where fiber optic lines will be laid in the near future.
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