There are several conclusions that one can draw from the survey responses. More than seven times as many ISPs thought the effects of the 1996 Telecommunications Act were positive than thought it was negative. ISPs that serve rural communities are anticipating a significantly higher increase in their rates to consumers if reciprocal compensation is ended than are the ISPs that did not provide rural service. We believe that the survey results accurately reflect the views of California s ISPs. They understand the issues related to the possible end of reciprocal compensation and are able to foresee the negative effects on both their business and on the communities they serve.
Some communities face the complete loss of local access to the Internet.