Universal service and targeted support in a competitive telecommunications environment

This paper considers universal service in an environment of converged service and broadband. To this end, it is crucial to distinguish carefully between the availability of the service and the use of the service. Universal service program objectives must be clearly stated, and programs must be targeted carefully in recognition of the increasing difficulty of raising funds in a competitive environment to support universal service. Finally, the paper explores how inaccurate data may result in misleading international comparisons.