Are different pricing models needed to ensure universal access to the Internet?
87, 88 Among all the other issues of concern, one policy area that deserves particular attention is pricing models for future information technologies and infrastructures. Different pricing models must be developed to accommodate a large group of new users, many of whom would not be able to afford a basic level of services under current pricing models. Included among these groups who cannot afford a basic level of access are many local governments, who must contend with small budgets that are already dedicated to other matters of more importance to community members. Will current pricing models preclude any opportunity for small communities to become constructive members in information societies? Today’s pricing models are “access-based” instead of “usage-based,” which means that local and regional networks pay a flat fee for connection to the Internet backbone, regardless of the amount of traffic they provide. So far, this has not caused significant problems with network congestion, t
