Universal access as a concept in telecommunication is the creation of an enabling environment for people to have equal opportunity and access to telecommunication services and products. Universal service on the other hand is normally phrased as a requirement of the telecommunications service provider to meet criteria in the following three areas: Availability, Accessibility and Affordability (ITU 1998).

The Government of Rwanda decides to promote and implement the concept of Universal Access through the UA Presidential Order 05/01 of 13/03/2004, which established the UAF (Universal Access Fund) with the objective of accelerating the use of ICT in the Country. It is funded through the contribution of 2% of the turnover of the licence operators in the country. The Regulatory Board manages this UAF. The UAF provides partial finance for the extension of universal access and the spread and take-up of information and communications technologies (ICT) in designated areas of the country. It complements and integrates with the overall NICI policy framework for Rwanda. As per its background, private sector companies (e.g. telecom, Internet, information and other service providers) were invited to tender their proposals and participate in the rural communications development process.

• The core Project Development Objective in 2008
• Universal Access Obligations
• Activities and Achievements
• Ongoing Projects at Government level