Reforming the Postal Universal Service

The postal sector has undergone dramatic changes over the recent
years under the double effect of ongoing liberalization and
increased competition with alternative communication channels
(e-substitution). As a result, the mail volume handled by the
historical operator has declined sharply while the latter's
ability to match the same standard of universal service may be
under threat. Thus, a reform of the postal universal service is on
the agenda. This paper examines possible reforming options ranging
from keeping universal service within the postal sector to
redefining universal service as spanning postal and electronic
technologies.