[9789] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
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daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (postman@lists.psi.com)
Fri Jan 21 12:31:33 1994
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 94 12:31:26 EST
From: postman@lists.psi.com
Apparently-To: <com-priv-redist@mit.edu>
On Thu, 20 Jan 1994, Pres Smith wrote:
[ most of original posting omitted ]
> I happen to be in favor of attempts at "universal access", preferably
> as in the USPS, and subsidized by the general taxpayer.
Perhaps the best answer lies somewhere in between. Full government
operations tend to be the LEAST EFFICIENT of any endeavor, and
overregulated commerce can destroy growth, innovation, and even usability,
let alone profitability. I've recently been made aware of the following
which could be existing facilities quickly adaptable to "universal access"...
1. The 90's version of the video parlor with a seat, a
PC or Workstation on a WAN with a LARGE variety of
software available. Any reason why these cannot
provide the equivalent of "Pay Phone" access to InterNet.
2. Modular connectors at actual Pay Phones. If a modular plug
can be added for modem use, and sufficient networking enabled
for voiceprint identification of the telephone credit cardholder,
why not also pre-arranged connection to an InterNet POP, and/or
a "standard" telephone number posted next to the number for
directory assistance (or integration with directory assistance)
OTOH, recently a touch-screen fax machine was recently removed from the
lobby of our local Post Office -- valdalism. So in some locale's social
and socio-economic factors may preclude universal access of any kind,
without some kind of government mandate, and such a mandate could make
amortization of operational costs so high that actual access is decreased
in the process.
Bruce Gingery lcbginge@antelope.wcc.edu
