Universal Service To Universal Access
© 1995 - International Research Center| PREV | CONTENTS | APPENDIX E - STATE-BY-STATE SUMMARIES | NEXT |
APPENDIX E - STATE-BY-STATE SUMMARIES
State Profile Data Sources
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS:
- Population: 1993 Residential Population, U.S. Bureau of Census, Current Population Report.
- Size: 1990 Total Square Mile Area, U.S. Bureau of Census, Census of Population and Housing.
- Proportion rural: 1990 Urban and Rural Population, U.S. Bureau of Census,
Census of Population and Housing.
- Population per sq. mile: 1993 Population per Square Mile of Land Area,
U.S. Bureau of Census, Census of Population and Housing.
- Median household income: 1992 Money Income of Households -- Median Income,
U.S. Bureau of Census, Current Population Report.
- Percent below poverty: 1992 Persons Below Poverty Level, U.S. Bureau of Census,
Current Population Report.
- Percent on public assistance: 1992 Public Assistance Recipients (AFDC and SSI),
complied by U.S. Bureau of Census.
TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS:
- Number of lines: 1993 Total Presubscribed Lines,
FCC Statistics of Communication Common Carriers (Table 2.3).
- Number of LECs: 1994/5 Number of LECs Operating in State, Under Agency Jurisdiction of Not, NARUC Compilation of Utility Regulatory Policy 1994-1995.
- BOC: State contact
- Market share of BOC: 1993 Bell Company Percent of Total Lines in State,
FCC Statistics of Communication Common Carriers (Table 2.3).
- Penetration rate: 1994 (March) Percent of Households with Telephone Service,
FCC Statistics of Communication Common Carriers (Table 1.5).
- Local exchange competition allowed: 1994 NARUC Report on the Status of Competition in Intrastate Telecommunications.
OPASTCO STUDY:(Keeping Rural America Connected: Costs and Rates in a Competitive Era,
1994. Study of OPASTCO 424 small rural LECs.)
- Subscribers per sq. mile: 1992 Subscribers Per Square Mile Served for Rural Telephone Companies (Fig 2.1 - Col. E).
- Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 1993 Percentage Difference Between the UFS Cost per Loop for BOCs and Non-BOC LECs (Fig. 2.6).
- Monthly revenues per customer: 1992 Local Service Revenues per Subscriber per Month
(Fig 4.4 - Col. A).
- Revenues if supports eliminated: 1992 Revised Monthly Local Service Revenues if supports mechanisms were eliminated (i.e., DEM weighting, 25% gross allocator to subscriber line usage, USF, and Lifeline/Link-up America programs) (Fig. 4.4 - Col. C).
- Percent who would disconnect: Percent who said they would disconnect service if local service rates went to revised levels (Fig. 5.2 - Col. C). Based on survey of 1,872 residential subscribers.
TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY:
- Copper, Fiber, Hybrid Fiber, Microwave, Other Technology: State contact
- Percent local loop digital: 1993 Percent of Total Equipped Local Loop Circuits (KM) that
are Digital, but does not include interoffice circuits. Computed from FCC Statistics of
Communication Common Carriers (Table 2.2).
State Profile Data Sources (Continued)
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
- Cable households: 1994 Cable Households as a Percent of Television Households,
A.C. Nielson Company, Media Research Services Group, US Television Household Estimates.
- Cable in schools: 1993 Cable in the Classrooms as a percent of Total Schools,
Cable in the Classroom Members, Quality Education Data, Nielson Media Research.
TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES:
- BOC residential rate(s): State contact and state documents.
- LEC residential rates: State contact and state documents.
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS:
- Status of State Universal Service Program: State contact
- Targeted groups: State contact and state documents.
- Definition of basic service: State contact and state documents.
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND:
- Fund Administrator: State contact and state documents.
- Contributors: State contact and state documents.
- Basis for contribution: State contact and state documents.
- Types of subsidies: State contact and state documents.
- Who draws from fund: State contact and state documents.
- Is subsidy portable: State contact and state documents.
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS:
- Lifeline: State contact and state documents.
- Link-up America: State contact and state documents.
- High Cost Fund: State contact and state documents.
PENDING ACTIONS: State contact and state documents.
COMMENTS: State contact and state documents.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES:
- Programs to Access Video/cable Services: State contact, state documents, and NASTD.
- Programs to Access to Advanced Information Services: State contact, state documents, and NASTD.
- Programs for Electronic Access to Government Documents/Records: State contact, state documents, and NASTD.
- Private/public Partnerships: State contact, state documents, and NASTD.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS: Telecommunications & Information Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA),
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).
ALABAMA
Contact: Mary Newmayer, Federal Affairs Advisor
Alabama Public Service Commission
PO Box 991
Montgomery, Alabama 36101
(334) 242-2968 Fax: (334) 242-2041
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 4,187,000 Number of lines: 2,025,288
Size: 52,237 Number of LECs: 34
Proportion rural: 39.6% BOC: BELL SOUTH
Population per sq. mile: 82.5 Market share of BOC: 80.5%
Median household income: $25,891 Penetration Rate: 90.7%
Percent below poverty: 17.1% LEC competition permitted: 8/95
Percent on public assistance: 7.1%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 13.6 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 46.7% Fiber : Yes Microwave: No
Monthly revenues per customer: $18.94 Percent local loop digital: 18.59%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $30.42 Other Technology:
Percent who would disconnect: 12.90%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 65.0% BOC residential rate (s): $15.00-$16.00
Cable in schools: 68.0% LEC residential rates: to
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: No statutes, regulations, or commission orders mandating
Universal Service (US)
Targeted Groups: None
Definition of basic service: None
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: No
Fund Administrator:
Contributors:
Basis for contribution:
Types of subsidies:
Who draws from fund:
Is subsidy portable:
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: The APSC currently has a docket and workshop on US. The purpose of the workshop is to determine if there is a need for a USF, who it should address, who would be eligible, and who should contribute. A recent docket put Bell under price cap so rates will be lowered. There are no pending rate cases. South Central Bell rates will be flat or go down in the future. LEC rates will generally go up to the level of Bell. A recent PSC order required non-Bell LECs to upgrade technology, if they go under price cap.
COMMENTS: Alabama is in the beginning stages of determining the need for a US support mechanism. They currently don't have a definition of basic service or US, but this will be addressed in the workshop.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: Cable companies are participating in the US workshop. A number schools use cable to provide distance learning. The PSC does not regulate cable.
Programs to access advanced information services: This is not part of the US workshop. Local access to Internet is not an issue in Alabama. It is being taken care of in urban areas, but this may come up in workshop.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: Some state agencies are on Internet, but not the commission. Commission doesn't currently have access to Internet. The Department of Industrial Relations Job Kiosk Project has two touch screen kiosks to be placed in high traffic areas such as shopping malls.
Public/private partnerships: Some LECs have a classroom tariff to provide distance learning capabilities. They may expand this to include hospitals.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
University of South Alabama Center for Health Information, Community Health Information Network (CHIN) will give doctors and support staff in area hospitals and health centers access to patient records and medical information. This will increase the quality of care available to this remote and poor population. (Total $595K, Federal $225K)
ALASKA
Contact: Phil Trever and Lou Craig
Communication Common Carrier Specialists
Alaska Public Utility Commission
1016 W 6th Ave., Suite 400
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 276-6222 Fax: (907) 276-0160
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 599,000 Number of lines: 316,873
Size: 615,230 Number of LECs: 23
Proportion rural: 32.5% BOC: na
Population per sq. mile: 1.1 Market share of BOC: 0.0%
Median household income: $41,969 Penetration Rate: 91.6%
Percent below poverty: 10.0% LEC competition permitted: policy barrier
Percent on public assistance: 6.7%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 0.3 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: Fiber : Yes Microwave: Yes
Monthly revenues per customer: $20.94 Percent local loop digital:
Revenues if supports eliminated: $34.73 Other Technology: Satellite, BETRS
Percent who would disconnect: 27.10%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 50.0% BOC residential rate (s): na
Cable in schools: 35.0% LEC residential rates: $5.00 to $30.00
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) in initial stage of rule making process
Targeted Groups: None
Definition of basic service: None (see pending)
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: No
Fund Administrator:
Contributors:
Basis for contribution:
Types of subsidies:
Who draws from fund:
Is subsidy portable:
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: The APUC has a rule making docket to adopt US. They are recommending that basic service should include 911, 411, 611, single party, touch tone, white page listing, data transmission over voice grade analog lines and access to optional digital services. The statute allows creation of USF for long distance. Some rural areas have very low penetration rate and are likely targets for US. The APUC is recommending that LECs can only draw from USF, if they participate in the federal programs. At this time they are not sure if there will be a fund or if there is a need for one. If they do set up a USF, all providers will contribute to the fund. Alaska 2000 includes development of a statewide telecommunications plan. The PUC had no rate cases before it.
COMMENTS: Alaska is very dependent on Federal support and they have low subscribership rates in some rural areas. They are looking at issue of US and how to increase subscribership. Alaska has such high cost, they are hoping technology will help them solve the problem.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: Rural Alaska TV network (RATNET) provided TV to 248 rural villages via satellite, but state support has been cut and the program ended. It has been succeeded by Alaska Rural Communications Service (ARCS) a rural radio network owned and operated by Native Americans with some state support.
Programs to access advanced information services: One of the principals in the APUC's recommendations says rural areas should have access to advanced information services. They have Internet access providers but not in rural areas. University in Alaska provide access to Internet in rural areas. The PUC has an open docket to upgrade to RUS rules to provide certain data services.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: The Statewide Library Electronic Doorway(SLED) provides free local access to 93% of population and includes government and business information. The Commission has a Web page and bulletin board. The state created a WWW home page and all state agencies are required to create home pages. They are also exploring the possibility of expanding the WWW service to allow for transaction based processing through Internet services (e.g., renew and pay for driver's licensing, motor vehicle registration, and ferry reservations).
Public/private partnerships:
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
Bethel Broadcasting, Inc. Distance Delivery Consortium will use grant funds to connect the people of the Delta with each other, Alaska and the rest of the world. The project will provide remote Alaskan villages with low-cost, local modem access to a commercially owned and operated network. (Total $734K, Federal $441K).
State of Alaska Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums, Southeast Alaska Network (SEAkNet) will provide residents of rural Southeast Alaska access to the information highway via the Statewide Library Electronic Doorway (SLED) for residents of seven isolated communities in Southeast Alaska. They will be able to access in Internet, connect to their state library and government offices, and access information on health, education, community services, and commerce. (Total $598K, Federal $223K)
ARIZONA
Contact: Jim Fisher, Executive Consultant
Utilities Division
Arizona Corporation Commission
1200 W. Washington Ave.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 542-4251 Fax: (602) 542-5560
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 3,936,000 Number of lines: 2,066,054
Size: 114,006 Number of LECs: 14
Proportion rural: 12.5% BOC: US West
Population per sq. mile: 34.6 Market share of BOC: 94.0%
Median household income: $29,593 Penetration Rate: 94.1%
Percent below poverty: 15.1% LEC competition permitted: 7/95
Percent on public assistance: 6.4%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 2.6 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 82.2% Fiber : Yes Microwave: Yes
Monthly revenues per customer: $21.05 Percent local loop digital: 98.47%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $30.69 Other Technology: BETRS
Percent who would disconnect: 12.90%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 56.0% BOC residential rate (s): $13.18
Cable in schools: 53.0% LEC residential rates: $4.50 to $21.00
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) with approved rules, fund in place
Targeted Groups: Rural/high cost
Definition of basic service: None (see pending)
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND:
Fund Administrator: BOC (US West)
Contributors: LECs, BOC, IXCs
Basis for contribution: Surcharge per access line for LECs and per minute of use on intrastate toll carriers
Types of subsidies: Rate subsidy
Who draws from fund: LECs with high cost (only one currently)
Is subsidy portable: No
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: The ACC is developing a more structured, rule based US program. ACC staff have developed proposed rules which will be before the Commission during the 1st quarter of 1996. This proposed rules define basic service as access to a one-party voice grade line for residential service with touch tone capabilities, access to interexchange carriers, 911, 411, operator services, a white-page directory listing, and telephone relay services for the hearing impaired. Contributors to the fund will include LECs, the BOC, IXCs, and wireless providers including cellular, paging and Commercial Mobil Radio services. The current fund doesn't require everyone to contribute. Contributions for providers of local exchange service will be based on the number of access lines, while IXCs' contributions will be based on percent of total revenues. Any LEC may seek support from the fund with a rate request. A rate subsidy will be provided based on the LECs costs exceeding an ACC established benchmark cost. US West is the proposed interim administrator of the fund, but that responsibility will shift to an independent third party by July 1996.
COMMENTS: Currently Arizona's US support mechanism is being used by one company. They have a rulemaking proposal that will refine the state's USF, establishing a more structured, rule based US program for Arizona. The state also maintains a telephone assistance program which provides discounted services to the medically needy. The Arizona DES administers the program in cooperation with the ACC and the BOC.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: Corporate affiliates of local cable entities are seeking authorization to operate as toll carriers in the state and are being reviewed by the ACC for same. Northern Arizona University's NAUNet is a statewide interactive distance learning network encompassing over 20 independent sites. It is complemented by their NAU Learning Alliance network of more than 100 satellite downlink sites. A metropolitan broadband network, ECNet, has been in trials for several years over existing cable infrastructure as a coalition of Arizona State University, DEC, and Cox Communications aiding Computer Integrated Manufacturing applications.
Programs to access advanced information services: The Governor established the Telecommunications Policy Office to spearhead the effort to promote the development of advanced telecommunication services in Arizona. The Office is responsible for establishing and coordinating statewide telecommunications policy. The Arizona State Public Information Network (ASPIN) is based at Arizona State University (ASU) and has through their statewide backbone connected the three universities, urban and rural community colleges and many other public organizations and communities to the Internet. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) provides AzEdLink, a program for dial-in Internet access for K-12 schools. AzTeC is the state's Free-Net, currently providing Internet access to over 12,000 and placing public access terminals in the Phoenix area. Arizona Health and Information Network (AZ-HIN) is a non-profit consortium using the Internet to connect hospitals, libraries, teaching and health care institutions.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: The Corporation commission has a STARPAS program that provides paid access to Commission documents (corporation names, filings, etc.) by local dial-in. They have completed the pilot implementation of a WWW page and will be soon providing public access on the Internet. The Legislature is introducing the Arizona Legislative Information System (ALIS) this session to provide a wide range of Internet accessible legislative information.
Public/private partnerships: The Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council (ATIC) is an economic development foundation providing a forum and facilitation for telecommunications development and advanced applications deployment. Datalink has been a pilot program to discover, catalog and route trade related information that may be further developed.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
City of Phoenix, Information Technology Department, will broaden access to its existing network, PhoenixNet, to three underserved target groups, including elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged, in 24 public access computer sites established throughout the city. They will also further develop the range of information and services available by dial-in and Internet access with their "Phoenix at your fingertips" program (Total $572K,Federal $225K).
Navajo Community College Development Office. This project, in coordination with ASPIN, will expand several existing pilot projects by developing a telecommunications infrastructure consisting of a digital microwave system to link seven NCC campuses and T1 data links to connect the college system to the Internet to form a single virtual campus for the Navajo Nation (Total $469K, Federal $225K).
ARKANSAS
Contact: Sam Loudenslager
Sen. Telecommunications Analyst
Arkansas Public Service Commission
1000 Center Bldg.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
(501) 682-5821 Fax: (501) 682-5731
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 2,424,000 Number of lines: 1,172,258
Size: 53,182 Number of LECs: 27
Proportion rural: 46.5% BOC: Southwest Bell
Population per sq. mile: 46.6 Market share of BOC: 68.2%
Median household income: $28,893 Penetration Rate: 90.0%
Percent below poverty: 17.4% LEC competition permitted: prohibited
Percent on public assistance: 6.8%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 9.6 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 54.6% Fiber : Yes Microwave: No
Monthly revenues per customer: $16.71 Percent local loop digital: 99.41%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $28.66 Other Technology: ISDN
Percent who would disconnect: 12.90%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 60.0% BOC residential rate (s): $14.00
Cable in schools: 64.0% LEC residential rates: $5.00 to $32.00
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) with approved rules, fund in place
Targeted Groups: Rural/high cost
Definition of basic service: no
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: Yes
Fund Administrator: BOC (Southwestern Bell)
Contributors: LECs, BOC, wireless, IXC
Basis for contribution: % of retail billed minutes of use
Types of subsidies: Rate subsidy
Who draws from fund: LECs with intrastate NTS costs per loop greater than 115% of statewide weighted average
Is subsidy portable: No
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: Statute gives commission authority to develop USF. Commission hasn't held any hearings since 1986. Fund is to be phased out by 2000 for three companies. Currently there is a Commission order to look at need to continue or change USF. Commission has taken other steps to increase subscribership by participating in Federal programs. GTE rate case - last rate case reduced GTE from $11 to $6. Rates are expected to move upward initially, then back down as competitors start to enter the market.
COMMENTS: Arkansas is keenly aware of importance of universal service, and US will get more attention due to competition. The big question is how do you know if you need fund? They don't want to loose US due to local competition. They want to make sure people continue to have access to telephone services.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: The APSC has no authority over cable service and no cable operators have applied for certification to provide voice and data services.
Programs to access advanced information services: Act 737 creates the Telecommunications and Information Technology Fund and establishes the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology to review legislation pertaining to telecommunications and public information access as well as setting up the Governor's Telecommunications and Information Advisory Board. Act 10069 appropriates $2 million from the Telecommunications and Information Technology Fund for grants to public and non-profit entities for the development of a statewide distance learning and telecommunications network.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: Joint standing committee under Act 737 will look at universal access to government information. Act 1139 creates the Information Network of Arkansas (INA) as a centralized electronic information system by which public information in Arkansas will be provided via dial-in modem and through links to public libraries.
Public/private partnerships: In last SW Bell rate case, over earnings will be used to upgrade infrastructure in hospitals & schools in state.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
Arkansas Delta Housing Development Corporation, Small-Town Anti-Information Redlining (STAIR) project is an 18-month planning project designed to involve local citizens, small-town municipal governments, universities and community organizations in the evolution of the local information infrastructure. (Total $209K, Federal $96K)
CALIFORNIA
Contact: Jack Leviza, Chief of Telecommunication Branch
Advisory & Compliance Division, Room 0323
California Public Utility Commission
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 703-1060 Fax: (415) 703-1965
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 31,211,000 Number of lines: 18,015,735
Size: 158,869 Number of LECs: 23
Proportion rural: 74.0% BOC: Pacific Bell
Population per sq. mile: 200.1 Market share of BOC: 77.7%
Median household income: $35,173 Penetration Rate: 95.2%
Percent below poverty: 15.8% LEC competition permitted: 7/95
Percent on public assistance: 10.7%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 5.8 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 74.8% Fiber : Yes Microwave: No
Monthly revenues per customer: $20.64 Percent local loop digital: 9.6%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $48.77 Other Technology:
Percent who would disconnect: 44.70%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 64.0% BOC residential rate (s): $11.25
Cable in schools: 58.0% LEC residential rates: $11.25 to $17.80
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) with approved rules, fund in place
Targeted Groups: Rural/high cost, Low income/economically disadvantaged
Definition of basic service: Touch tone, voice grade, 911, directory assistance, operator assistance, white pages, long distance, repair service, and privacy protection
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: Yes
Fund Administrator: Independent third party
Contributors: LECs, BOC, IXCs, wireless
Basis for contribution: % of billable revenues
Types of subsidies: Rate subsidy for high cost; Company paid difference between rate and subsidy
Who draws from fund: LECs with high cost or eligible subscribers
Is subsidy portable: Yes, for low income
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: No Link Up: No High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: California has a major rule making investigation looking at a complete revision of US in response to local competition. State has a US rate statewide that subsidizes individuals. The high cost program will change but not individual subsidy. They plan on being done by the end 1997. They don't want the US program to be less than what exists today, and some are advocating a broader definition. The future US program will target groups that are below statewide penetration rate. They don't currently participate in Lifeline and Link-up America, because they will not validate income. The issue of income validation may be reconsidered. Also, they may eliminate subsidy to non-low income in rural areas. There have been some general rate cases for smaller LECs. There are no new entrants yet, but some are applying - up to 40 new carriers, and 20 resellers. In long run residential rates may go up since the current rate may be too low. Deaveraging of rates may cause some rural rates to go up while urban rates may stay flat. They are investigating wireless technology to serve underserved areas.
COMMENTS: California has the oldest and largest program in the country. It was the model for the Federal programs. Changes in local competition are requiring them to look at a major revision of the program.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: The PUC doesn't regulate cable.
Programs to access advanced information services: This may be part of revised program. PUC is seeking Federal authority to use US funds to support advanced information applications. Local call access to Internet is an issue in the state. Legislation passed to encourage availability of telecommuting as a work option and 2 year pilot program completed. Recently passed digital signature law to encourage electronic commerce.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: There is a statewide program to make government documents accessible on the Internet. Commission has web page. The Legislature has a widely-acclaimed program for Internet access of Bills, available for tracking and in full text along with Committee activity. All state agencies are mandated to develop timetables and plans to provide basic electronic access to public databases. UC Berkeley's Digital Library Project is developing technologies for intelligent access to massive, distributed collections of multi-media documents.
Public/private partnerships: Smart Valley is an extensive, successful and widely-modeled after public-private consortium. They facilitate development of flagship applications in advanced information and telecommunications areas, advance a regional approach to NII deployment in "Silicon Valley" to create an electronic community, foster economic development and drive public awareness and education. Their Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network hosts a interactive public presence on the Mercury Center online service. The California Voter Foundation (CVF) provides the California Online Voter Guide on the Internet and AOL describing candidates and issues. CommerceNet is one of the first and perhaps most successful large-scale market trials of electronic commerce on the Internet. In 1993, Pacific Bell created the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a $25M program to stimulate the development of new applications for high-speed data communications services in telemedicine, online schools, electronic democracy, and new business partnerships and ventures.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
Western Consortium for Public Health Dept. of Technical and Information Services, with a variety of public and private partners, will demonstrate and evaluate the benefits of video conferencing and remote-data entry/information gathering via wireless telecommunications in a rural public health environment (Total $1,581K, Federal $668K).
HandsNet, Inc., currently brings together more than 4500 public interest and human service organizations across the U.S., providing them with useful on-line information and relevant electronic discussions (Total$400K, Federal$200K).
LA County Office of Education Educational Telecommunications Network (ETN) will carry out a comprehensive telecommunications planning process yielding a replicable planning model for schools to use in customizing their infrastructure design (Total$415K, Federal $165K).
Plugged In-Learning Through Technology will introduce electronic networks to address the specific needs of a variety of underserved members of the local communities in less affluent E Palo Alto (Total $440K, Federal $193K).
Information & Referral Federation of L.A. County, INFO-LINE will provide widespread, low-cost, high-speed access to a comprehensive, centralized and standardized database to improve delivery and access to public welfare system (Total $172K, Federal $86K).
Feather Falls Union School District , in an isolated, rural community, will get Internet connectivity to classrooms (Total $30K, Federal $13K).
LA County Unified School District will establish an Internet link with local, state and national museums and the city library, providing a free, interactive exchange of information among students, teachers and parents in central community facilities (Total $417K, Federal $186K).
Sacramento County Office of Education will demonstrate a model program for delivering literacy services to adults through a cost-effective regional network in 15 predominantly rural counties.(Total $2,284K, Federal $764K).
Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County will bring local information and Internet resources to their inner-city community including community organizations (Total $226K, Federal $113K).
Hermandad Mexicana Nacional Legal Center will develop a Mobile Job Bank to circulate in underserved Hispanic communities using employment databases to provide job placement and counseling (Total $782K, Federal $390).
Santa Ana Unified School District will use an existing cable television network to bring the resources of the Internet to over 50,000 low-income, limited English-speaking K-12 students (Total $1,330K, Federal $664K).
Guadalupe Union School District will bring basic Internet connectivity to their isolated, rura school district and community through a communications and information network (Total $56K, Federal $28K).
COLORADO
Contact: Warren Wendling, Chief Engineer
Colorado Public Utility Commission
Logan Tower , Office Level 2
1580 Logan St.
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 894-2000 ext.: 377 Fax: (303) 894-2065
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 3,566,000 Number of lines: 2,071,184
Size: 104,100 Number of LECs: 36
Proportion rural: 17.6% BOC: US WEST
Population per sq. mile: 34.4 Market share of BOC: 8.1%
Median household income: $32,716 Penetration Rate: 95.7%
Percent below poverty: 10.6% LEC competition permitted: 5/95
Percent on public assistance: 5.0%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 1.4 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: Yes
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 91.2% Fiber : Yes Microwave: Yes
Monthly revenues per customer: $21.31 Percent local loop digital: 94.04%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $36.10 Other Technology: ISDN on 70% of lines
Percent who would disconnect: 27.10%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 59.0% BOC residential rate (s): $17.82
Cable in schools: 75.0% LEC residential rates: $4.15 to $30.00
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) approved rules, fund in place
Targeted Groups: Rural/high cost
Definition of basic service: Single party, touch tone, voice grade, fax grade, 911, directory assistance, operator assistance, white pages, long distance, modem capable (2400), repair service, privacy protection
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: Yes
Fund Administrator: Commission
Contributors: LECs, BOC, IXC
Basis for contribution: 50% based on minutes of traffic for IXCs & 50% based on access charge per line per month
Types of subsidies: Rate subsidy
Who draws from fund: LECs with less than 50,000 access lines with costs above the avg. investment for the traffic
Is subsidy portable: No
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: The CPUC has had a high cost fund in place, and currently they are developing revised rules for the new act. The old version only included small LECs, while the new version includes US West. Under the new bill, US West will be able to draw on the fund and may be receive as much as $20 million. Current data indicates that rates may be too low, so they may be increased. They will have wireless included as contributor in next round of legislation. They are considering a possible telecommunications trust fund to support development of advanced service. Some LECs may drop out or enter depending on investment cycle. No rate cases are currently filled, and there is a freeze on residential rates. Rates can only increase with additional features. They are half way through the five year program to convert all of their analog microwave to digital. Eventually all of the radio will be digital and it will carry many different types of functions. They continue to deploy digital capacity higher and farther out.
COMMENTS: Basic service is defined as a minimum standard that all have to meet, but this may not encompass economic development for advanced features.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: Cable providers are not applying now, but they can after new rules are approved.
Programs to access advanced information services: The state is encouraging private competition to bring advanced services to state. If this doesn't work, they may develop other support mechanisms. US West fines for quality of service issues have been applied to fund telecom projects.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: This is an agency by agency activity. There are government kiosks around the state and many agencies are developing sites on the WWW. The PUC's WWW site features timely news releases including Telecommunication Fund activity. Access Colorado Library and Information Network (ACLIN, created by the Legislature in 1990) is a cooperative project between the Colorado State Library and the Colorado library community. ACLIN seeks to provide electronic access to the information resources of the state's libraries to support the education, business, health, social services, and personal growth activities of the residents of the state.
Public/private partnerships: There is currently a reparation docket underway for US West. They may also set up a telecommunications trust fund to develop infrastructure for distance learning.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
State of Colorado - Colorado Advanced Technology Institute is a partnership of federal, state, local and private entities. They have come together to develop a replicable model of how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be put to work in addressing a priority problem facing much of rural America. The goal is to balance economic development and population growth while preserving the rural quality of life and environment (Total $750K, Federal $375K)
Southern Ute Indian Tribe. This project will provide Internet access to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to enable them to access important information about education, government, culture, health, and economic development (Total $552K, Federal 214K).
CONNECTICUT
Contact: Peter Pescosolido, Supervisor of Technical Analysis of Telecommunications
Department of Public Utility Control
1 Central Park Plaza
New Britain, Connecticut 06051
(860) 827-2616 Fax: (860) 827-2613
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 3,277,000 Number of lines: 1,856,122
Size: 5,544 Number of LECs: 3
Proportion rural: 20.9% BOC: NYNEX
Population per sq. mile: 676.4 Market share of BOC: 0.0%
Median household income: $41,059 Penetration Rate: 96.4%
Percent below poverty: 9.4% LEC competition permitted: 7/94
Percent on public assistance: 6.0%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: NA Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: Yes
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: Fiber : Yes Microwave: No
Monthly revenues per customer: Percent local loop digital: 90.87%
Revenues if supports eliminated: Other Technology:
Percent who would disconnect:
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 83.0% BOC residential rate (s): $12.50
Cable in schools: 85.0% LEC residential rates: $8.00 to $15.00
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) with approved rules, fund in place
Targeted Groups: Low income/economically disadvantaged
Definition of basic service: Single party, touch tone, voice grade, 911, directory assistance, operator assistance,
white pages, long distance access, privacy protection, ANI capability, switching access, receive incoming calls,
usage element
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: Yes
Fund Administrator: LECs (changing to independent 3rd party)
Contributors: LECs, BOC, IXCs
Basis for contribution: Total gross revenues as a percent of total state revenues
Types of subsidies: Rate subsidy to carrier but is credited on customer's bill
Who draws from fund: Credits go to eligible low income customers, $3.50 for intrastate and
$3.50 for interstate service
Is subsidy portable: Yes
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: No
PENDING ACTIONS: Currently the Commission has a proposal from the dominate LEC to establish a high cost USF to off set recent price squeezes. The proposal is under review. Nothing else is pending regarding US, since they just issued new US rules in February 1995. Teleco is in for a rate review, but Commission is committed to no rate increases. With competition, rates should go down. Carriers will be deploying Hybrid Fiber Cable throughout state for next 10 years.
COMMENTS: AT&T plans to start offering local phone service early next year and has targeted Connecticut as its first state to enter this market.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: Some cable companies are looking to provide local telephone service.
Programs to access advanced information services: Videoconferencing proposals are under evaluation to furnish both educational and administrative agencies with equipment and support services. Connecticut's Joint Committee on Educational Technology (JCET) assists the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors for Higher Education in coordinating more effective and efficient use of educational technology. This committee has oversight responsibility for the distribution of a $10.4M Bond Authorization for Technology Infrastructure for Connecticut Public Schools.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: There is a law on the books requiring electronic access to all offices, and Connecticut agencies' web sites on the Internet are proliferating. The state library is acting as the coordinator for this effort.
Public/private partnerships:
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
Bridgeport Futures Initiative, Inc. Bridgeport Futures Initiative, and over 20 community partners, will bring the first electronic network (BridgeNet) to the depressed inner-city of Bridgeport, a designated Enterprise Community (EC) Ten community access points will open in eight low-income neighborhoods, social service workers with laptop computers will visit homes to demonstrate how information technology can be used as a problem solving tool, and trainers will serve as recruiters and mentors. (Total $695K, Federal $225K).
National Cristina Foundation. The project will bring together a wide range of non-profits from fifteen states to organize a national system to recycle donated computers. An estimated 80 million personal computers will be "obsolete" by 1998, but by transfer to the public and non-profit sector, may yet be of good use. (Total $1,960K, Federal $561K).
DELAWARE
Contact: John Citrolo, Public Utility Analyst
Delaware Public Service Commission
1560 S DuPont Hwy.
Dover, Delaware 19903-0457
(302) 739-4247 Fax: (302) 739-4849
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 700,000 Number of lines: 427,437
Size: 2,397 Number of LECs: 1
Proportion rural: 27.0% BOC: Bell Atlantic
Population per sq. mile: 358.2 Market share of BOC: 100.0%
Median household income: $35,739 Penetration Rate: 95.8%
Percent below poverty: 7.6% LEC competition permitted: no regulatory barrier
Percent on public assistance: 5.2%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: Fiber : Yes Microwave: No
Monthly revenues per customer: Percent local loop digital: 100%
Revenues if supports eliminated: Other Technology: ISDN
Percent who would disconnect:
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 77.0% BOC residential rate (s): $9.40
Cable in schools: 69.0% LEC residential rates: $9.40 (one LEC)
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) actively involved in
rule making process
Targeted Groups: Rural/high cost, Low income/economically disadvantaged
Definition of basic service: Rotary, 911, directory assistance, white pages, basic dial tone,
switching access, relay access
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: No
Fund Administrator:
Contributors:
Basis for contribution:
Types of subsidies:
Who draws from fund:
Is subsidy portable:
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: No Link Up: No High Cost: No
PENDING ACTIONS: The DPSC has pending rules that should be implemented by mid-summer 1996. The rules have been pending since 1993. The rules will apply to new service providers. The PSC's objective is to make sure no group is worse off than they are now. They don't have a USF because the statute says rates should be non-discriminatory. They would have to change the law to set up a USF. The state is very conservative. Eventually, they won't be able to avoid setting up a fund, if they have to establish a carrier of last resort. The carrier of last resort could collect from a USF if it could demonstrate the need and others would have to pay into the fund. They have price cap regulations and three pending filing applications. Some in state think ISDN should be part of universal service.
COMMENTS:
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services:
Programs to access advanced information services: They are upgrading their network now, and improving infrastructure into all schools and libraries. The Office of Telecommunications Management is deploying routers in all elementary schools throughout the state to support placing computers in every classroom. They also expect to have ISDN in all schools by Spring 1996. Some in the state talk about information as a public good.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: Not currently
Public/private partnerships:
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
University of Delaware - Center for Applied Science & Engineering program will increase access to all types of educational opportunities for students with disabilities by using the Delaware Assistive Technology Information Network. DATIN will increase the skill level and connectivity of school district personnel, students with disabilities, and their families (Total $447K, Federal $223K).
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Contact: Bob Lowbe, Director Office of Economics
District of Columbia Public Service Commission
450 5th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 626-5100 Fax: (202) 347-4711
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 578,000 Number of lines: 779,786
Size: 68 Number of LECs: 1
Proportion rural: 0.0% BOC: Bell Atlantic DC
Population per sq. mile: 9,482.8 Market share of BOC: 100.0%
Median household income: $30,357 Penetration Rate: 88.9%
Percent below poverty: 20.3% LEC competition permitted: statutory barrier
Percent on public assistance: 13.3%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: Fiber : Yes Microwave: No
Monthly revenues per customer: Percent local loop digital: 100%
Revenues if supports eliminated: Other Technology:
Percent who would disconnect:
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 47.0% BOC residential rate (s): $3.00-$14.60
Cable in schools: 65.0% LEC residential rates: $3.00-$14.60
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) actively involved in
rule making process
Targeted Groups: Low income/economically disadvantaged, potential disconnects from long distance
Definition of basic service: None
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: No
Fund Administrator:
Contributors:
Basis for contribution:
Types of subsidies:
Who draws from fund:
Is subsidy portable:
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: No
PENDING ACTIONS: DC is unique because they only have one LEC. While the LEC has an economy service rate for low income of $3.00, there has been a significant decline in the penetration rate. To address this issue, the PSC is looking at US as part of a new rate case. They will be developing a definition of basic service as part of the rate case, and identifying what, if any, additional groups should be targeted for US - schools, health care, etc. There is legislation in front of the DC council currently to allow local competition. If this occurs they may need to set up a USF. Bell Atlantic has promised to keep residential rates frozen until 2000 in the new rate case.
COMMENTS: The PSC has taken significant action regarding the penetration rate to make sure US is available and is investigating what else should be done.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services:
Programs to access advanced information services: Providing ISDN at a reasonable rate for schools is an issue in Bell's rate case.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: There is no formal mandate to do this but some agencies are developing ways to provide public access. There is a lot of interest in making government more accessible to the public.
Public/private partnership: Bell's rate case is looking at this. AT&T recently launched a volunteer partnership initiative to improve two of the city's special education schools with new computers for computer laboratories, building repairs and administrative process improvements, donating equipment and services valued at more than $100K.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics. This project will allow health care providers to tap into the expertise of specialists in the field of occupational and environmental medicine. Health care providers will be able to send questions about patients' illnesses to an Internet mailing list and receive evaluations from the expert participants (Total $44K, Federal $21K).
Soundprint Media Center, Inc. The Global Public Telecommunications Network (GPTN) is a laboratory of community network services that will provide low-cost public access to on-line information resources, including audio archival materials, radio programs, textual materials associated with the archival resources, and, ultimately, a similar array of video resources (Total $1,700K, Federal $850K).
United Cerebral Palsy Association Community Services Division. This project is designed to connect individuals with disabilities and their families to the National Information Infrastructure. Disabled individuals will also be given the on-line addresses of groups that share the same challenges and situations. (Total $597K, Federal $225K)
FLORIDA
Contact: David Dowds, Supervisor of Economics Section
Division of Communications
Florida Public Service Commission
2540 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850
(904) 413-6542 Fax: (904) 413-6543
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 13,679,000 Number of lines: 8,025,917
Size: 59,988 Number of LECs: 13
Proportion rural: 52.0% BOC: Bell South
Population per sq. mile: 253.3 Market share of BOC: 61.4%
Median household income: $27,456 Penetration Rate: 92.6%
Percent below poverty: 15.3% LEC competition permitted: 7/95
Percent on public assistance: 6.8%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 13 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: -6.9% Fiber : Yes Microwave: No
Monthly revenues per customer: $16.77 Percent local loop digital: 35.43%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $30.32 Other Technology: 95% digital switches
Percent who would disconnect: 27.10%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 71.0% BOC residential rate (s): $10.65
Cable in schools: 65.0% LEC residential rates: $6.00 to $11.63
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) in initial stage of rule making process
Targeted Groups: None
Definition of basic service: Touch tone, voice grade, 911, directory assistance, operator assistance, long distance, flat rate residential
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: No
Fund Administrator:
Contributors:
Basis for contribution:
Types of subsidies:
Who draws from fund:
Is subsidy portable:
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: The FPSC just completed evidentiary policy making proceedings on an interim US mechanism. Revised Chapter 364, Florida Statutes, mandates an interim US mechanism be in place by 1/1/96. The Commission is to deliver a report to the Legislature and Governor on the need for and possible structure of a permanent mechanism by 1/1/97. The Legislature then has until 1/1/2000 to mandate a permanent mechanism. They are considering what US means (US is not equal to basic service, but US may be more than basic service). They are not sure if a USF will be the mechanism used to protect certain groups. What US is trying to protect is being considered in the current docket. They are not likely to have a broad subsidy. The availability of service is not a problem in Florida, but price is more an issue. The new statue allows LECs to enter the market. Residential rates may be capped for 3-5 years. Some local LECs are trying to do rate rebalancing
COMMENTS: The FPSC receives relatively few complaints involving local exchange companies and almost no complaints on phone service, so quality of service is not an issue. If people want telephone service, they'll get it. They already has low local rates so rates are not a big issue in Florida.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: They don't regulate cable, but they have some cable companies applying for telecommunication service. Cable will be involved in phone service in future. Cable companies may do pretty well in the future since they have a high penetration rate.
Programs to access advanced information services: They expect that competition will take care of expanding access to advanced services. The Department of Management Services offers state and local government and certain other qualifying organizations low cost access to the Internet. Florida has a very active community network alliance and seven regional Free-Nets are currently in operation.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: State Bills are currently available and one can find out just about anything on the State's web page. The Florida Communities Network helps state and local governments in sharing information and acts to foster economic development by enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure and access to public information, and to improve government efficiency with a more efficient flow of information between agencies. The Information Resource Management Advisory Council (IRMAC) has a Public Access User Advisory Group working on policy development.
Public/private partnerships: Public/private partnerships are illegal in Florida.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
Southeast Florida Library Information Network, SEFLIN will cultivate a network of users-as-guides, helping disadvantaged citizens of the three-county area make full use of this resource. More that 120 corporations, all of the public and several private high schools, libraries, and all local colleges and universities will be able to access this time-sensitive information immediately (Total $509K, Federal $225K)
GEORGIA
Contact: Beverly Knowles, Director Utilities
Georgia Public Service Commission
244 Washington St. SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 656-7266 Fax: (404) 656-2341
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 6,917,000 Number of lines: 3,661,660
Size: 58,977 Number of LECs: 36
Proportion rural: 36.8% BOC: Bell South
Population per sq. mile: 119.4 Market share of BOC: 83.8%
Median household income: $28,889 Penetration Rate: 93.2%
Percent below poverty: 17.8% LEC competition permitted: 7/95
Percent on public assistance: 8.5%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 13.9 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 30.5% Fiber : Yes Microwave: Yes
Monthly revenues per customer: $18.12 Percent local loop digital: 27.79%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $32.09 Other Technology:
Percent who would disconnect: 27.10%
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 63.0% BOC residential rate (s): $14.33
Cable in schools: 66.0% LEC residential rates: $4.00 to $18.00
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) actively involved in
rule making process
Targeted Groups: None
Definition of basic service: single party, touch tone, 911, modem grade (9600), 1+ dialing
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: No
Fund Administrator:
Contributors:
Basis for contribution:
Types of subsidies:
Who draws from fund:
Is subsidy portable:
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: Yes
PENDING ACTIONS: The GPSC is in process of developing rules for a USF. All telecommunication providers will contribute to fund and this may include wireless and cable if provide basic service (voice not video/TV). They will specify a percent of revenues in rules and who will administrator fund. A rate subsidy of so much per line will go to providers of US. One cable company has applied for certification, and they will provide phone service over cable network. They currently have one pending rate case.
COMMENTS: Georgia is in the process of developing a new system to accommodate competition so citizens do have universal service. They currently have 92% coverage. Basic service includes single line business.
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: One cable company is applying to be a carrier. US West is becoming the first BOC to compete in another BOC's territory, having recently received authority from the Georgia PSC to provide local telephone service over its MediaOne cable systems.
Programs to access advanced information services: This is not now a part of US. AIS would have to be more widely used before this becomes an issue.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: Yes, but it is not centralized. GeorgiaNet has a number of state agencies that are accessible. They do have campaign funds reporting on the Internet, and more agencies are bringing up a Web presence.
Public/private partnerships: Georgia Distance Learning & Telemedicine Act of 1992 (SB 144) authorizes and directs DOAS to develop a statewide distance learning & telemedicine network. It creates a procedure for funding of new distance learning and telemedicine systems and provides an initial fund source and creates a governing board. The resultant Georgia Statewide Academic and Medical System (GSAMS) currently has 227 installed distance learning sites and 60 telemedicine sites making it the largest videoconferencing system in the world.
The Georgia Center for Advanced Telecommunications Technology (GCATT) is a division of the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA). Their recently completed 150,000 square foot facility was funded by $24M in state allocations and $5M in private matching funds. It will provide a meeting ground where academia, business leaders, government representatives, and researchers can collaborate on emerging technologies and will house technology demonstrations during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games showcasing Georgia's achievements in advanced telecommunications.
Bell South must make infrastructure investments of $500 million per year for five years for infrastructure improvement which include distance learning and telemedicine.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
Southeastern Library Network will address the general problem of integrating such distributed data by demonstrating that existing standards for electronic records, network protocols and software tools can be used to develop a model regional information system. It will produce a decentralized on-line system for the Southeast region of the nation (Total $852K, Federal $419K).
HAWAII
Contact: Mike Azama
Staff Attorney
Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
465 South King St., #103
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 586-2020 Fax: (808) 586-2066
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 1,172,000 Number of lines: 595,817
Size: 6,459 Number of LECs: 1
Proportion rural: 11.0% BOC: na
Population per sq. mile: 182.4 Market share of BOC: 0.0%
Median household income: $42,171 Penetration Rate: 94.5%
Percent below poverty: 11.0% LEC competition permitted: 6/95
Percent on public assistance: 5.9%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: Fiber : Yes Microwave: Yes
Monthly revenues per customer: Percent local loop digital: 72.23%
Revenues if supports eliminated: Other Technology:
Percent who would disconnect:
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE SERVICE RATES
Cable households: 84.0% BOC residential rate (s): $14.40
Cable in schools: 82.0% LEC residential rates: $14.40 (one LEC)
UNIVERSAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROGRAMS
Status of State Universal Service Program: Mandated Universal Service (US) actively involved in
rule making process
Targeted groups: Rural/high cost, Economically disadvantaged/low income, Users with disability
Definition of basic service: None (see pending)
STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND: No (see pending)
Fund Administrator:
Contributors:
Basis for contribution:
Types of subsidies:
Who draws from fund:
Is subsidy portable:
FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDS: Lifeline: Yes Link Up: Yes High Cost: No
PENDING ACTIONS: The HPUC has opened a docket and issued draft rules on competition and US. The definition of basic service in the draft rules includes single party, touch tone, voice grade, 911, directory assistance, operator, white pages, and relay service. The draft rules include a USF, and both high cost and low income groups are targeted. For low income groups the subsidy would be 50% of the basic rate. The law allows for direct distribution of the subsidy to customers based on need. All telecommunication providers would contribute to the USF including LECs, BOC, wireless and cable. "Telecommunication provider" is broadly defined in law. Non-telecommunication providers may have to contribute to the fund if they directly benefit from the telecommunication infrastructure and directly compete with telecommunication providers. In high cost program, the subsidy would go to carrier if the difference in cost is greater than 120% of basic rate. The program would be administered by the Commission.
COMMENTS:
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Programs to access video/cable services: Telecommunication service excludes cable TV, but telecommunication carrier could include cable provider if they provide local service. One cable company, Oceanic, has applied for local service.
Programs to access advanced information services: As part of draft rules they will review definitions of basic service from time to time. The Commission is actively involved in updating the network. Hawaii has pioneered the provision of government and other information of interest in electronically accessible and online forms with their Hawaii FYI established in 1991. Due to a current fiscal crisis, Hawaii Inc. was not funded as of June 30, 1995, but the State Dept. of Budget and Finance continues to operate the popular service, Hawaii FYI, with its links to Hawaii related businesses, education, government, non-profit organizations, and visitor industry information systems. The High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) is and agency of the state's Dept. of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), who not only facilitates the development and growth of commercial high technology industry in Hawaii, but assists various state and local agencies in getting up on the Internet.
Programs for electronic access to public/government records: This is not under the HPUC's jurisdiction. Contact Office of Information Practices (808) 586-1400.
Public/private partnerships: See Hawaii Inc. above.
1995 NTIA/TIIAP GRANTS
State of Hawaii - Dept. of the Attorney General. The Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS), using leased telephone lines and computer equipment, enables law enforcement officials throughout the islands to share important information about juvenile offenders (Total $714K, Federal $222K)
State of Hawaii - Dept. of Business, Economic Development. HI-TIME will provide the state government with public principles, strategic objectives, and a plan of recommended actions to guide decision making on telecommunications and information technology infrastructure (Total $361K, Federal $177K).
IDAHO
Contact: Eileen Benner, Telecommunication Section Supervisor
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
(208) 334-0354 Fax: (208) 334-3762
STATE DEMOGRAPHICS TELEPHONE SERVICE DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 1,099,000 Number of lines: 535,604
Size: 83,574 Number of LECs: 16 (regulated)
Proportion rural: 12.6% BOC: US West
Population per sq. mile: 13.3 Market share of BOC: 75.5%
Median household income: $27,784 Penetration Rate: 94.8%
Percent below poverty: 15.0% LEC competition permitted: prohibited (residential)
Percent on public assistance: 3.2%
OPASTCO STUDY TELEPHONE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
Subscribers per sq. mile: 0.7 Copper : Yes Hybrid Fiber: No
Difference in non-BOC loop costs: 87.1% Fiber : Yes Microwave: Yes
Monthly revenues per customer: $14.51 Percent local loop digital: 98.91%
Revenues if supports eliminated: $37.37 Other Technology: 95% digital switches
Percent who would disconnect: 44.70%
ADVANCED TELEC