Universal service obligation

Universal service rules secure a minimum set of telecommunications services for all residents and businesses, including remote or less profitable areas. In Switzerland, this reflects the public-service function of basic connectivity and may cover access to voice, internet connectivity, emergency calls, directories, or services for persons with disabilities, depending on the applicable framework. The obligation is usually assigned to a provider and may be financed or compensated through regulatory mechanisms. Comparatively, universal service balances market liberalisation with territorial cohesion and social inclusion.