Universal service in a global networked environment: Selected issues and possible approaches

The model for universal service being developed in the United States offers some lessons and concerns for other nations attempting to promote universal service as a national policy.

Abstract

This article provides an overview and summary of selected issues related to the development of universal service to networked information resources and services in a global networked environment. Complex issues have yet to be addressed regarding basic concerns such as defining the term “universal service” as it suggests a range of meanings and uses given different societal contexts. The model for universal service being developed in the United States offers some lessons and concerns for other nations attempting to promote universal service as a national policy. The article concludes with a number of recommendations that address selected policy issues related to universal service in a global networked environment.