As a result, the trend seems to be toward removing barriers against cross-ownership of local phone and cable TV companies. This is consistent with the principal that common carriers are natural monopolies, and must be regulated, but the services provided over those common carriers are not. Many public interest groups are now arguing for similar regulatory requirements for the Internet. High-value uses which traditionally could be charged premium prices by monopoly providers are increasingly subject to competition and bypass. A related question is whether the government should provide some data network services as public goods.
Some initiatives are already underway.
For instance, the Clinton administration has required that all published government documents be available in electronic form. Another current debate concerns the appropriate access subsidy for primary and secondary teachers and students.