Recasting the government s postal role in the 21st century involves important public policy questions. If the postal system had begun after the country had reached an advanced stage of technological, social and economic development, it would in all likelihood have emerged as a private industry suitably regulated to ensure satisfactory service levels and fair prices. Mail in the 21st century may no longer be an inherently governmental function. Since the 1970s, the Postal Service has opened access to this network, assured its revenues and covered costs through partnerships with the private sector. It is essential to define the terms in the debate about the governmental role in 21st century mail.
All customers have access to the same products.
Stamp prices are uniform, regardless of distance. Since customers must have ready access to retail postal services, small post offices cannot be closed solely for operating at a deficit, as the law now provides. Finally, delivery must be nationwide, six days a week. Postal privatization means more than contracting out. It means moving essential elements of the business from government to private ownership.