US:PA-3: Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Bruce Hutchison (BAH1@telecom.cis.pitt.edu)
Thu, 2 Oct 1997 15:36:52 EST5EDT


As I stated at the beginning of this discussion, I believe that the critical 
issue in developing the potential of e-rate and of other network initiatives 
in the Commonwealth is infrastructure.  Without infrastructure we truely find 
our state cosisting of "islands of information".  With infrastructre available, 
all things become realistic over time.  Without it, nothing is possible.

I believe that it will be in the best interest of PA to allow mixed consortia
to build leverage and demand at a local level and strongly endorse the
recommendations of the US-PA Taskforce's Schools and Libraries recommendations.
With Pennnsylvania having such a large rural area and low concentrations, it is
essential to have ways of attractiving the attention of infra-structure
providers.  Single school systems, small community libraries, and rural
hospitals will be of no interest because alone, they cannot justify the cost of
building infrastructure to reach them.  A consortium however may well become an
attractive target. 

Since the benefits of e-rate based services should be directly visable and 
usable by a local community or county, it seems reasonable to allow mixed 
consortia.  Since the costs of the essential infrastructure is driven by 
physical topology, a consortia of rural hospitals across the state might not be 
anywhere near as attractive to conncet as a mixed consortia within 30 miles of 
Bradford.

The single issue that concerns me with consortiums is their true goals.  I 
believe e-rate is intended to help non-profits do things that benefit the 
community and Commonwealth.  Although I would not want to see a major 
certification process, I would want to be VERY SURE that any consortium (or any 
other e-rate benificiary) is not serving as a front organization for a business 
or other for profit group. 

I would also like to make sure that the consortium itself does not look to
spare e-rate capacity as a commodity that it could "sell" to others at more
that cost plus REASONABLE administration.  Too often not for profits are
looking for agressive and novel ways to increase revenue.  The idea of "profit
centers" and "new revenue siurces through excess capacity" are themes I've
heard repeatedly over the years.

Regards,

Bruce Hutchison
Director for Telecommunications
Computing & Information Services
University of Pittsburgh

--PAC28482.875820838/post-ofc05.srv.cis.pitt.edu--


Regards,

Bruce Hutchison
Director for Telecommunications
Computing & Information Services
University of Pittsburgh