Regional information access: The use of telecentres to meet universal service obligations

Abstract

Access to information is essential for efficient business operation. While many regional businesses are exposed to international markets their corresponding information requirements are not well met. Barriers to information and communications technology (ITT) access also restricts the ability of regional populations to generate income streams through enterprise and education. The Commonwealth government has recently instituted a review of Australian telecommunications universal service obligations (USOs). The review includes a redefinition of the “plain old telephone service” to reflect new technology and changing community needs in regional areas. Telecentres are public access points through which regional information delivery is currently facilitated. Surveys undertaken here concern community telecentre use in regional Western Australia. Patterns of ITT use are identified, as is the quality of service. The survey enables an assessment to be made of the capacity of telecentres to deliver a wider range of USOs.