A Wake-Up Call On Telecommunications Deregulation Rapid technological change is creating many new telecommunications products that can enhance the quality of life and the competitiveness of businesses.
Rural residents have an incentive to use telecommunications to help overcome isolation.
However, national policy changes are posing a threat to affordable rural phone rates. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 eliminated long distance access charges and allows competition for local phone service. A far more desirable strategy is to convince Congress to create a more supportive National Universal Service Fund. Even an assertive State Universal Service Fund could not prevent significant rural rate increases. As with many past deregulation efforts, rural places tend to get the short end of the stick.