Kinko's sees the Internet as a critical telecommunications service and believes that decisions made now will determine a future disparity between "information haves" and "information have-nots" in American society. Because of the costs of equipment (total costs are likely to be at least $1500), Internet access remains out of reach for millions of Americans.
As part of the "advanced services" solicited by the FCC for inclusion in the universal service program, Kinko's is advocating
Community Internet Access at hundreds of locations throughout the United States. Kinko's customers who do not have the necessary computer, modem and printer at their home will be able to send e-mail, search for a new job, and access the tremendous wealth of governmental, education and business information on the Internet. Millions of Americans will find affordable Internet access at Kinko's.
Such a program would be implemented through Internet vouchers provided to individuals who are unable to afford equipment in their own homes. These vouchers would be used at Community Internet Access centers operated by Kinko's and others.
Kinko's believes that such a Community Internet Access/voucher system satisfies the criteria laid out by the Telecom Act and provides low-income users affordable access to increasingly critical electronic information services.