Universal Telecommunications Service Research Articles

Future funding of the telecommunications universal service obligations in Australia

Future funding of the telecommunications universal service obligations in Australia

Broadband

Broadband

Internet use in rural and remote Western Australia

Australian telecommunications universal service policy has recently been extended to include the provision of basic data services within a contestable universal service framework. In view of this fundamental policy change, information about the demand for telecommunication services is critical if competition is to deliver intended outcomes. This analysis examines the demand for Internet in rural and remote communities in Western Australia. Toward this end econometric Internet subscription and use models are estimated on survey data collected for this purpose. Estimation results indicate price reduction will have a positive influence among existing Internet subscribers. A model of Internet subscription itself, however, suggests that demand for access is derivative of education and work requirements.

Regional universal telecommunication service provisions in the US

Universal service, the long time goal of telecommunications regulation, is under new scrutiny by stakeholders. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 eliminated the barriers to competition implemented in the transitional Modified Final Judgment of 1984. The FCC is now setting up a new universal service plan, which extends its scope to schools, libraries and health care providers. At the same time, however, concerns about the effectiveness of the universal service are increasing. This article reports on a study which first investigates the growth patterns in the number of house-holds by income groups in states, and then examines the effectiveness and efficiency of the universal service policy on low-income households at the state level.

Asia-Pacific Telecommunications USOs: Current Practice and Future Options

ABSTRACT Access to information is essential for efficient business operation and social empowerment. Many Asia-Pacific businesses are exposed to international markets while their corresponding information requirements are not well met. Restricted information technology and telecommunications access also diminishes the ability of remote regions to generate reliable income streams. In the Asia-Pacific, several national governments have recently reviewed the notion of telecommunications universal service obligations (USOs). This review considers the adequacy of the ‘plain old telephone service’ definition for an information society characterised by market liberalisation, new technology, changing community needs, and an uncertain international environment. Several interim and proposed mechanisms for delivering USOs in the Asia–Pacific region are also discussed.

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

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.

Neoclassical Economics and the End of Equitable, Open, and Universal Telecommunications Services in the United States

Neoclassical Economics and the End of Equitable, Open, and Universal Telecommunications Services in the United States

Universal Service: Realities and Reforms

Redistribution strategies that have been implemented to promote universal service in telecommunications subscriptions now face two problems. First, in order to avoid higher prices, customers have moved away from services that bear revenue-providing subsidies that are unrelated to cost. Second, certain subsidy strategies award dollars to recipient companies or end-users in a manner that may discourage efficient cost-management and/or customer choice. This paper considers some options for reform. Copyright 1995 by Oxford University Press.

Competition and the Provision of a Universal Telecommunications Service – A Comparison of the European Community and the United States

Competition and the Provision of a Universal Telecommunications Service – <i>A Comparison of the European Community and the United States</i>