Funding the future telecommunications infrastructure

The author develops the thesis that the logical system for information transport is the existing telecommunications network. He discusses changes in technology and the marketplace and the importance of the telecommunications infrastructure. He considers who will meet future customer needs and when. He examines three alternatives for funding the future telecommunications infrastructure: the continuation of current rate-of-return regulation, public funding, and regulatory change. He notes positive steps that have already been taken forward market-based regulatory reform.<>