Providing modern affordable telecommunications services to all American is the central focus of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Low levels of service to Native Americans can not persist if we are to fulfill the vison of that landmark legislation. The link between support and investment must be preserved because it is critical to the preservation and advancement of universal service. Adherence to this principle will ensure comparable services and comparable rates that are just, reasonable and affordable. Universal service is the core mission of the Commission and the RUS and will have a profound effect on millions of Americans.
Universal service is about one nation - indivisible.
We cannot enter a new century a nation divided into information haves and have nots.