Grundversorgungsaufträge

Grundversorgungsaufträge, often translated as "universal service obligations" or "basic supply mandates," are legal or regulatory requirements placed upon companies, typically in utility sectors such as electricity, gas, telecommunications, and postal services, to provide a defined level of service to all customers within their service area, regardless of profitability or location. The primary objective of these mandates is to ensure that essential services are accessible and affordable for everyone, thereby preventing the exclusion of certain populations or regions.

These obligations often stipulate that companies must offer a standard service package at reasonable prices. For instance, in telecommunications, this might mean providing basic telephone access to even remote or sparsely populated areas. In the electricity sector, it could involve ensuring a continuous supply of power to all households. The specific scope and conditions of Grundversorgungsaufträge are usually determined by national legislation and regulatory bodies. They are designed to balance market forces with the public interest in universal access to vital infrastructure and services, promoting social equity and economic development.