US/ND-4: Re: new survey on allocation of Universal Service subsidies
Re: new survey on allocation of Universal Service subsidies
Richard Buro - Temple ISD (rwburo@tenet.edu)
Mon, 16 Sep 1996 22:56:43 -0500 (CDT)
On Mon, 16 Sep 1996, Bob Carlitz wrote:
> There's a new survey accessible from the Universal Service/Network
> Democracy home page - or directly at
> http://www.info-ren.org/projects/universal-service/survey_2.html
>
> This survey deals with questions on the allocation of Universal
> Service subsidies as discussed last week. There are four questions on
> the survey:
>
> 1. Mechanisms: What mechanism should be used to provide Universal Service
> subsidies to schools and libraries?
It really doesn't matter what stream the funding flows through, if
government is going to get involved, a bureaucracy will surely develop.
That needs to be avoided, if at all possible. Still there needs to be a
mechanism to allocate funding. Perhaps block grants to States -- but if
it is to provide truly Universal Service, then the money needs to be
divided out amongst all the participating entities -- schools, libraries,
etc.
> 2. Bona Fide Requests: What minimal justifications should a school, library
> or school district be required to offer in support of requests for
> subsidized telecommunications services?
I believe that a viable, standards based LAN must be a prerequisite for
any broader infusion of funds for Internet access. Additionally, a
commitment to sustain the project beyond the life of a grant -- a long
term commitment to the personnel, training, and support that will be
required is also essential. A commitment must also be made to make the
connection point accessible to the largest population possilbe -- either
via remote access, local provider support, LANs, WANs, MANs or what have you.
> 3. Extent: Should Universal Service subsidies extend to groups which
> provide educational materials or support for educational organizations,
> such as universities and colleges or community centers?
Perhaps, but only in so far as it supports the target population and
overall efforts to achieve Universal Service. Many colleges and
universities are using their resources solely for themselves -- yet
several are branching out in partnerships and collaboratives to work with
public and private schools. The incentive to continue these partnerships
should be additional funding or some means of making it lucrative for the
colleges and universities to support these initiatives.
> 4. Equity: How can the Universal Service Fund insure equity of access for
> all schools and libraries?
The fund cannot ensure Universal Service unless that is an up front
commitment. Until the most remote rural group has access, the provisions
for Universal Service will not be realized. Priority should be given to
unserved populations first, underserved populations second, and then to
suburban and urban areas where services are more widespread.
Hope these comments help generate some discussion.
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