Ensuring universal access to telecommunications technologies for all citizens: equity vs. economic considerations

As telecommunications technologies become more integral to everyday life, those people lacking access are at a severe disadvantage. This paper introduces the concept of universal access and provides a history of the government's role. It then examines the need for universal access from the perspective of economic considerations, information requirements, political empowerment, connecting communities and the availability of educational resources. The opposing viewpoint is also presented on the potential disadvantages of providing universal access, and, finally, this paper proposes several unanswered questions that are open for discussion.