Local authorities responsible for 634 localities with a low degree of telephony services availability have transmitted commitments to ANRC, showing their interest in taking active part in the universal service implementation by means of telecentres. 348 of these localities expressed their availability for entirely supporting the expenses related to the management of the telecentres.
Out of these 348 localities, ANRC will select at least 100 where tenders are to be organised in view of installing telecentres. The selection will follow certain criteria, taking into account the estimated impact of the telecentres, the number of inhabitants, the proximity of other localities without telephony services, the existence of a school in the respective locality etc.
ANRC will conclude a pre-contract with the mayoralties in the selected localities in order to ensure their contribution to the universal service implementation. Such contribution means providing the necessary space for the telecentre operation and maintenance, covering the current and staff expenses and protecting the equipments. For the purpose of stimulating the local authorities’ interest in the operation of the telecentre, the universal service providers may decide that part of the incomes they collect from services remain at the disposal of the local authorities.
The universal service providers will be designated based on the open public tender procedure. The universal service providers who, as a result of the tender, are designated to install telecentres will have at their disposal, in order to fulfil their obligation, a maximum term of 120 days since the space is made available to them.
The tenders for the installation of the next series of telecentres will take place between August-September, 2005.
At present, ANRC has a forecasted budget of around 14 million EUR for the purpose of installing telecentres, collected from the rest of the previous year’s preview estimated for review as well as from funds previewed for the current year. Out of the collected amount, ANRC will pay for the installation and access link operation, as well as for the purchase and installation of equipments. Also, as the case may be, expenses requested by certain local authorities may also be covered by ANRC.
The 5 telecentres installed following the tender held in 2004 are already operational and proved really useful for the communities they serve.
? Visit the telecentres in Colacu, Raciu and Barla.
? What are the stages of universal service implementation?
? What are the telecentres?
? Who installs and who manages the telecentre?
? What are the universal service providers?