[10355] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
WUTC NOI; Internet User Survey (fwd)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Larry Berg)
Sat Feb 19 09:46:13 1994
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 1994 12:48:16 -0800 (PST)
From: Larry Berg <nwsyslaw@netcom.com>
To: com-priv@psi.com
The State of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC)
has initiated a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) relating to a new regulatory
paradigm directed at USWEST, a Local Exchange Carrier (LEC). I am an
attorney preparing comments to present the Internet and Internet user
perspectives. Due to the diversity of Internet viewpoints a survey is
under way in order to include those diverse viewpoints. Your input is
important and sincerely appreciated. Time is of the essence. Your
responses must be received by January 26, 1994.
BACKGROUND. WUTC Policy Staff analysis is that a new regulatory paradigm
is emerging that: (1) Recognizes there will not be a single network;
(2) Focuses on ensuring that these networks are open systems and provide
seamless interconnection; (3) Opens all telecommunications markets to
competition. Commission regulation would shift from price and profit
regulation, to regulation of interconnection arrangements, performance
standards, and consumer protection; (4) Fairly allocates the costs of
transition among subscribers and providers; and (5) Encourages providers
to eliminate their ability and incentive to subsidize competitive
offerings with monopoly rates.
The WUTC is seeking focused responses to specific questions. Although the
intent of the NOI is to address competition at the LEC level, the
principles developed through comments and further analysis apply more
broadly.
SURVEY.
(1) What obstacles do monopoly LEC's create to the development of and
access to Internet ?
(2) How can increased competition at the LEC level promote the development
of and access to Internet ?
(3) What infrastructure changes will promote the development of and access
to Internet ?
(4) What kinds of regulatory mechanisms are forseeably necessary to
promote the development of and access to Internet ?
(5) What kinds of regulatory mechanisms are forseeably necessary over the
development of and access to Internet in order to protect consumers ?
(6) To what extent and in what manner should government be involved in
the commercialization and/or privatization of Internet ?
Sincerely,
LARRY BERG
nwsyslaw@netcom.com
