USPF was established by the telecoms regulatory agency under the NCC Act 2003 and receives 40 per cent of the operating levy paid into the coffers of NCC by telecoms operators in the country, to cater for the interest of underserved and un-served communities.
Three months after bids opened for projects to provide access to underserved communities, USPF is yet to announce winners and award contracts for several projects.
Projects meant to be executed under the USPF have been put on hold following a disagreement between NCC and the National Assembly over N6.4bn in the budget for the registration of SIM cards.
Lawmakers have described the budget proposal as curious, contending that as a regulator, the NCC need not be involved in the registration of SIM cards as this responsibility sits squarely on the telecom service providers.
The stalled projects include the supply and installation of computers and Internet access in rural areas as well as the creation of an e-Library under the Connectivity for Development Programme.
Others are Consultancy Services for the Provision of ICT for Challenged Persons in Nigeria and the Supply and Installation of Computers and Internet access for Tertiary Institutions Programme.
