Fundamental Act Of 1996 Essay

Introduction

As telecommunication networks and the Internet were in their early stages, there was a need to regulate the industry in order to ensure companies, customers, and the American people were treated fairly with the emerging technologies. In 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed in order to regulate the industry and help achieve universal service. The focus of this paper is to explore the goals and purpose of both the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Universal Service Fund. It has been more than twenty years since the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed and continues to play a role in modern telecommunication networks, broadband, and the Internet. Technology advancement has not slowed down during this time and many technological changes have occurred since then, with no

Nowadays, the amount of consumers needing telephone service is decreasing and the need for broadband in increasing. Most Americans and people across the world would argue that telephone access is not as important as broadband access. Broadband internet is increasingly recognized as essential to economic growth (Intel). Many Americans and emerging countries struggle to find affordable ways to attain digital devices along with broadband connections. Instead of Universal Service Funds being used to acquire telephone equipment and services, some countries are using them towards supporting information and communications technology and broadband programs (Intel). The Universal Service Fund has also began to shift gears to provide broadband to Americans with the introduction of the Connect America Fund. The Connect America Fund has recognized that broadband has become a necessity for full participation in society and the economy. This fund helps expand the benefits of broadband Internet to millions of Americans who still lack broadband connectivity