Cap. 254 Art. 17ADesignation of universal postal service providers.

(1) The Authority may designate one or more postal operators to provide different elements of the universal service and, or cover different parts of the national territory, and in so doing the

Authority shall also determine the rights and obligations applicable to the postal operator concerned:

Provided that the Authority may, withdraw, amend or suspend any designation made under this sub-article, provided that prior to the effective date of any such withdrawal, amendment or suspension, the Authority may, where applicable, designate another postal operator in respect of the service affected by any such withdrawal, amendment or suspension.

(2) The Authority may ensure the provision of universal services by procuring such services in accordance with the applicable public procurement rules and regulations, by competitive dialogue or negotiated procedures with or without publication of a contract notice.

(3) A universal service provider shall meet the following requirements with respect to provision of the universal service:

(a) guarantee compliance with the essential requirements;

(b) ensure that an identical service is offered to users under comparable conditions;

(c) ensure that the service is made available without any form of discrimination whatsoever whether arising from political, religious, racial, gender or ideological considerations;

(d) ensure that the service is not interrupted or stopped except in cases of force majeure; and

(e) ensure that the service evolves in response to the technical, economic and social environment and to the needs of users.