Anatel announces new universal service plan

Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes (Anatel), the national telecoms regulator in Brazil, has revealed a new policy document, dubbed PGMU III, which is designed to help the country achieve its targets for universal service access. The plan will cost USD1.702 billion to implement, although there will also be a ‘bonus’ of USD968.33 million available to operators involved, because of adjustments between the goals PGMU II and III, it said. The monies will be invested in infrastructure and maintenance costs covering the period 2011/15 with the primary focus on improving telecoms access in rural and poorer parts of the country. PGMU III is open for consultation until 22 September 2010.