Internet access and bridging the digital divide: the crucial role of universal service obligations in telecom policy

McMenemy, D. (2022) Internet access and bridging the digital divide: the crucial role of universal service obligations in telecom policy. In: Smits, M. (ed.) Information for a Better World: Shaping the Global Future. Series: Lecture notes in computer science (13192). Springer: Cham, pp. 122-134. ISBN 9783030969561 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-96957-8_12)

Abstract

With Internet access increasingly a vital element of day to day life, this paper explores the concept of the universal service obligation (USO) in telecommunications law and policy, and considers the arguments for it to be expanded in the digital age to include access to broadband as a fundamental right. It considers aspects of United States, European Union, and United Kingdom policy to consider the digital inclusion limitations of a legal concept that was created in an analogue time. Highlighting the increasing use of broadband and mobile telephony, the paper argues for a broader concept of universal service to emerge to help connect the digitally excluded and let them take their rightful place as digital citizens.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: 17th International Conference, iConference 2022, Virtual Event, February 28 – March 4, 2022, Proceedings, Part I.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McMenemy, Dr David
• Authors: McMenemy, D.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Information Studies
• Publisher: Springer
• ISBN: 9783030969561
• Published Online: 23 February 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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