Computer Access Presentation

William Nance

Outline of Basic Questions:

• Given that computers promise to be such a part of our future lives, how can we make it available/accessible for everyone?
• define difference between universal service and universal access
  • should we even strive to make access universal?
    1. does the fact that this new technology will be greatly important entitle everyone to it (Just because everyone agrees that it is a good idea, doe that mean everyone must have it?)
    2. should people have access just as one has access to a phone line in today's society?
  • what effect would a universal service policy have on the current income gap?
• Boils down to a question of right: Can universal access be considered a right or just a privilege?
• Fried asks what determines a right (wants from needs): [Keep in mind that any solution cannot only just be practical in theory, but must be realistic!]
  
  • no person is entitled to an unfair share of scarce resources
  • is internet access within a person's fair share? (Fried argues that a personUs claim to fair share is a right)
  • does the fact that wealthier people naturally have an advantage (they can afford new computers) give them more right to access? Or should they be obligated to provide to some degree for other less fortunate members of society?
  • draw the line for satisfying people's rights when they begin to interfere with others.

  System for determining standards: Is universal access a subjective or objective standard?
  

  • first determine needs from wants
  • needs determined by goal of necessary standard of good citizenship (what does it take to make a person a good citizen? Do they need access to the net for this?)
  • is there some basic degree of access?
  • Should a certain standard of access be guaranteed?

More specifics about what universal access would mean:

• Civille (supported by Gore) argues that it would mean computers for every household and school.
• Would the new infrastructure, (NII) be run by government or privately?)
• Gore thinks privately (for economic reasons
• additional literacy programs must be established to make the new hardware everywhere useful(e.g. . in public libraries)

Assume universal service is desired:

• How do we get there? (Access as a public good: how to combine market incentives and universal access?)
• leave it up to local governments
• designate the federal government to deal with it
  • offering tax incentives (to increase low-income user use)
  • businesses to donate used equipment to students?
• require/encourage community-based access network services
• provide job and literacy training to help deal teach people how to use it