But the cost of access is not the only barrier to the NII in rural America. The following are preliminary suggestions that will help schools and communities in rural America have access to the National Information Infrastructure. Our web site presents creative solutions in several states. For example, subscribe rural Jay Rockefeller. Encourage community networks.
Community networks are one of the most constructive ways to bring access to rural areas.
In addition to bringing the power of advanced telecommunications to underserved areas, community networks bind the people of a rural area together and allow them to communicate easily with one another. We are pleased to see that the Joint Federal-State Board on Universal Service recommended implementation of discounts for schools and libraries in such a way that the discounts allow for, even encourage, community networks. We're also pleased to see that the growth of community networks is being encouraged at the state level. Establish a policy that expands dialing areas. In addition, expanded dialing areas raise the likelihood of competition between ISPs in rural communities.