US/ND-1: Re: universal service vs. public sector service
Re: universal service vs. public sector service
Sally Hawkes (shawkes@comp.uark.edu)
Wed, 28 Aug 1996 14:05:19 -0500 (CDT)
We've had some similar discussions in Arkansas on making sure that we
clarify the differences between universal service -- ability to provide
Internet access to the general public -- and discounts on tariffs for
education and library service costs--not having to pay the same as
commercial companies for connections so we can provide general access to
the public.
Arkansas has a common infrastructure for the academic, school and public
libraries. The problem is the state funds the school districts with a
loan from teacher retirement, the academics have had NSF backing but the
public libraries haven't fared so well. Ironically, the public libraries
are expected to provide the universal service to those who can't afford
Internet service at home (browsing the Web, e-mail not including in this
concept.) Academic and school libraries benefited from their parent
organizations participation in ARKnet and APSCN, but public libraries have
no parent organization to fund them, except what is taken out of LSCA.
Now with the FCC hearings there is a possibility that education and
library tariff discounts might be separated from state govt. tariff
discounts that already are in place in Arkansas. This could have a
disastrous effect on the cooperative infrastructure that was build by the
education, library and state government funds and personnel. Would this
have an impact on what is already in place in other states?
Also I haven't noticed a difference when referring to the ISPs and the
telephone company connections. My undertstanding is that while the telcos
are regulated by the FCC, an ISP that isn't a telco company doesn't have
any regulatory agency at all.
Sally Hawkes shawkes@comp.uark.edu
Arkansas State Library 501-682-6052
Coordinator of Library Network Services 501-682-1531 fax
One Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
On Wed, 28 Aug 1996, Miles R Fidelman wrote:
> 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 . . .
> 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.
>
> **************************************************************************