We hope that you can look at our suggestions, as well as the specific programs and models in several states and help us identify policies and significant models that we are leaving out. In many states, dial-up access is not the problem that it once was. But access to advanced telecommunications, if available at all, can be extremely costly in rural America. For example, the monthly costs to a rural school of having a T-1 leased line can be much higher than costs for the same service in urban areas. Encourage community networks.
Community networks are among 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.