US/ND-1: universal service vs. public sector service
universal service vs. public sector service
Miles R Fidelman (fidelman@civicnet.org)
Wed, 28 Aug 1996 09:21:24 -0400 (EDT)
Just a quick comment to note that there is a big difference between
universal service and service for libraries, PEG stations, schools, etc.
Universal service is like the telephone: everyone has it and it's
relatively cheap. The best model for universal advanced service is a
university or corporate campus, where there is a "data wall plug" next to
every telephone jack. On the MIT campus, for example, a 24-hour, high
speed connection to the campus network (and through it to the Internet)
costs around $25/mo. -- That's the kind of service I'd like to my home
office (or classroom, or library).
For this kind of universal service to exist, at modest cost, economies of
scale have to be exploited -- we're talking about building network
utilities akin to telephone, water, sewer, electric systems - i.e.
infrastructure.
By contrast, much of the talk about free (subsidized) access for schools,
etc., implies that the commercial vendors will focus their efforts on the
largest, most profitable markets (i.e. "cream skimming), and throw a bone
to the rest of us in the way of free service in a few locations.
Don't get fooled by what looks like a good deal. Cream skimming plus free
service for schools and libraries translates to not very much service for
homes, small businesses, small non-profits, etc.
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Miles R. Fidelman mfidelman@civicnet.org
President & 91 Baldwin St. Charlestown MA 02129
Director of Civic Networking Systems 617-241-9205 fax: 617-241-5064
The Center for Civic Networking http://civic.net/ccn.html
Information Infrastructure: Public Spaces for the 21st Century
Let's Start With: Internet Wall-Plugs Everywhere
Say It Often, Say It Loud: "I Want My Internet!"
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