No. 34 Communications (2) In defining the components and areas under subsection (1) (a), the Authority shall consider__ 73 (a) the level of competition in a particular area or community; (b) the availability of services in a particular area or community; (c) the absence of infrastructure coverage; (d) any barriers to the use of available services; and (e) the commercial viability of network facilities of communications services in a particular area or community. 157. There is hereby established the Universal Service Fund which shall be managed by the Authority, and shall become operational on such date as the Minister shall appoint, by notice published in the Gazette. 158.__(1) The Universal Service Fund shall be used for purposes of the implementation of universal service and universal access. (2) without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the proceeds of the Universal Service Fund shall be used to__ Establishment of the Universal Service Fund Purpose of the Universal Service Fund (a) offer subsidies on a competitive basis to licensees in order to provide them with incentives to provide universal access in areas that are not economically viable or that are marginally viable without subsidies; (b) provide other financial incentives and assistance; (c) meet administrative expenses associated with the execution of the duties, functions and responsibilities of the Universal Service Fund Committee, the management of the Universal Service Fund, publication and independent audit costs of annual reports of the Fund, and the staff costs for the implementation of the Fund, which shall not exceed a certain amount, as determined in regulations made under this Act; and (d) conduct research and consultancy assignments related to universal access. 159.__(1) The Authority shall establish a Universal Service Fund Committee which shall be composed of__ (a) one member nominated by each of the communications services sectors; (b) one member nominated by the consumer protection organizations; (c) the director general of the Authority; and Establishment and composition of the Universal Service Fund Committee