As from 7 July, Posten Norge, was able to reduce the frequency of letter delivery, with changes to its universal service requirement.

The change in Norway reflects the challenges faced by many postal universal service providers to adapt their services to the changing marketplace, where in particular letter traffic is declining sharply in many countries.

In the EU, the terms of the Postal Services Directive restrict the ability of operators and regulators to change the universal service definition – although some countries have managed to introduce significant changes that in practice reduce the delivery frequency for many residents. Other important changes to the universal service requirements that have been made or are being considered cover the definition of the place of delivery, the location and availability of access points, and which services are included within the USO scope.

Cullen International’s Postal service continually tracks and compares initiatives to change the scope of the postal universal service, both at a national and EU level.

Our new benchmark on USO modernisation in Europe shows how countries have changed the USO scope in a range of different ways, including removing services, adapting the definition of the delivery point and relaxing the frequency of delivery. Many countries are also reviewing possible future changes, including in Germany, which is planning to amend its Postal Act in 2020.

To access our benchmark on USO modernisation in the postal sector, please click on “Access the full content” or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our Postal service.