The new law also reaffirmed and expanded universal service policy beyond supporting residential telephone service. For the first time institutions schools, libraries, and rural health centers are to be given financial support so they can connect to the Internet and other advanced communications networks. As the media system is transformed, we need to ensure that such fundamental policies are extended into the digital age. State public service commissions will be making critical decisions in the next few years that could affect how the public is connected to the information superhighway and on what terms. Our Mission CME believes that all children and families should benefit from the powerful new tools of telecommunications.
Telecommunications policies have the potential to bring new economic resources to communities.
They can also play a role in solving some of the problems confronting disadvantaged families and children. There is a growing gap between those communities equipped with the technology for the new age and those which do not have the resources. Those without access to the information superhighway are likely to fall further behind in education, be unable to compete in a highly selective job market, and be at risk for poverty. Already more than half of the new jobs today require possession of information and technological literacy. Local computer networks and the Internet are becoming vital links to government information, health services, and education.