GBI sponsored and participated in the Intel Corporation’s 2011 USF Leader’s Forum held in Ukraine from 7-9 December.  The event, which focused on strategies for improving the operations of telecommunications universal service funds, and telecommunications regulation in general, was heavily attended by government officials from throughout the Europe and Eurasia region.

The program featured welcoming remarks from the Chairman of Ukraine’s National Commission for Communications Regulation (NCCR), Mr. Petro Yatsuk, and from the Acting Director of the USAID Regional Mission for Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus, Ms. Sarah Wines. Administrators of successful universal service and access fund from throughout the region were invited to discuss their portfolio of activities, and stimulating presentations were given from representatives from Turkey, Pakistan, and Colombia.

At a press conference held during the event Mr. Yatsuk of the NCCR described the ongoing process of creating a Universal Service Fund in Ukraine.  The country plans to introduce authorizing legislation in parliament next year and is currently engaged in a consultative process that will shape the proposed fund.  The NCCR found the Forum especially useful in this regard.

Following the Forum, GBI is engaging with Universal Service Funds and telecommunications ministries from across the region and beyond to determine how USAID can best assist them in expanding broadband access in their country. Visit our Universal Service and Access Fund page to find out more about GBI’s work in USAF.