Written for communications specialists and policy makers, this book is a penetrating examination into the rapidly changing approach of states to telecommunications regulation and planning since the divestiture of AT&T in January, 1984. The editors place particular emphasis on the conjunction between the increasing state role in developing and implementing telecommunications policy and a new interest in economic development on the part of state governments. Following a discussion of the major issues surrounding telecommunications regulation and an exploration of the links between telecommunications and economic development, the experiences of nine states are considered in separate chapters. The contributors also consider telecommunications applications for improving efficiency in state government. The result is a comprehensive look at existing trends in state telecommunications regulation that will be invaluable not only to officials and legislators, but also to students of communications policy.
Each of the nine state chapters includes a profile of the state's social and economic makeup, a description of the policy environment, a statement of regulatory policy, and and analysis of the relationship between telecommunications and economic development in that state. A number of chapters also include detailed case studies--among them a study of New York's Teleport, Nebraska's AGNET, and Washington State's 1985 Regulatory Flexibility Act. Based on their in-depth study of the nine states' experiences, the editors argue that states need to become better informed about the changing telecommunications environment and its potenial for improving efficiency in state government. In addition, both planning and regulation must be more related to economic development plans than they are currently in most states. Finally, the editors conclude that traditional state regulation of telecommunications companies is inadequate for establishing policy in this increasingly complex and important area.
Show moreWritten for communications specialists and policy makers, this book is a penetrating examination into the rapidly changing approach of states to telecommunications regulation and planning since the divestiture of AT&T in January, 1984. The editors place particular emphasis on the conjunction between the increasing state role in developing and implementing telecommunications policy and a new interest in economic development on the part of state governments. Following a discussion of the major issues surrounding telecommunications regulation and an exploration of the links between telecommunications and economic development, the experiences of nine states are considered in separate chapters. The contributors also consider telecommunications applications for improving efficiency in state government. The result is a comprehensive look at existing trends in state telecommunications regulation that will be invaluable not only to officials and legislators, but also to students of communications policy.
Each of the nine state chapters includes a profile of the state's social and economic makeup, a description of the policy environment, a statement of regulatory policy, and and analysis of the relationship between telecommunications and economic development in that state. A number of chapters also include detailed case studies--among them a study of New York's Teleport, Nebraska's AGNET, and Washington State's 1985 Regulatory Flexibility Act. Based on their in-depth study of the nine states' experiences, the editors argue that states need to become better informed about the changing telecommunications environment and its potenial for improving efficiency in state government. In addition, both planning and regulation must be more related to economic development plans than they are currently in most states. Finally, the editors conclude that traditional state regulation of telecommunications companies is inadequate for establishing policy in this increasingly complex and important area.
Show moreThis book is a penetrating examination of the rapidly changing approach of states to telecommunications regulation and planning since the divestiture of AT&T in January 1984.
Preface
Introduction
California
Florida
Illinois
Nebraska
New York
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Conclusion: Perspectives on the New State Role
Telecommunications Glossary
Index
JURGEN SCHMANDT is Professor of Public Affairs at the University
of Texas at Austin. His numerous previous works on public policy
include State Water Policies (Praeger, 1988).
FREDERICK WILLIAMS is Director of the Center for Research on
Communication Technology and Society. He is the author of 36 books
including Computer-Assisted Writing Instruction in Journalism and
Professional Education (Praeger, 1989).
ROBERT H. WILSON is Professor of Public Affairs at the University
of Texas at Austin. His recent work includes Growth Policy in an
Age of High Technology: The Role of Regions and States.
?This study of state regulation of the telecommunications industry
was conducted by a research team composed of 17 graduate students
from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Policy and from the
Center for Research on Communication, Technology, and Society, both
at the University of Texas. The book's thesis is that there exists
an important link between telecommunications and economic
development that remains to be fully recognized and exploited by
various policy-making groups at the individual state level. An
advanced communications network is a critical competitive advantage
when flexible production processes and segmented markets become
paramount strategic concerns. Policy initiatives in nine states
(California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, New York, Texas, Vermont,
Virginia, and Washington) are considered in some depth. On the
basis of their analysis, the authors include a series of policy
recommendations for state governments. They also identify a
critical need for empirical evaluation regarding the consequences
of procompetitive laws that have been put into effect, particularly
those fostering open competition in Nebraska and Virginia. Finally
they express concern that the bold procompetitive initiatives made
by some states are not based on well-grounded analysis but rather
on competitive fashion.' To what extent will procompetitive
initiatives enhance allocative efficiency and how will the benefits
therefrom be distributed? Very useful telecommunications glossary.
Upper-division and graduate collections.?-Choice
"This study of state regulation of the telecommunications industry
was conducted by a research team composed of 17 graduate students
from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Policy and from the
Center for Research on Communication, Technology, and Society, both
at the University of Texas. The book's thesis is that there exists
an important link between telecommunications and economic
development that remains to be fully recognized and exploited by
various policy-making groups at the individual state level. An
advanced communications network is a critical competitive advantage
when flexible production processes and segmented markets become
paramount strategic concerns. Policy initiatives in nine states
(California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, New York, Texas, Vermont,
Virginia, and Washington) are considered in some depth. On the
basis of their analysis, the authors include a series of policy
recommendations for state governments. They also identify a
critical need for empirical evaluation regarding the consequences
of procompetitive laws that have been put into effect, particularly
those fostering open competition in Nebraska and Virginia. Finally
they express concern that the bold procompetitive initiatives made
by some states are not based on well-grounded analysis but rather
on competitive fashion.' To what extent will procompetitive
initiatives enhance allocative efficiency and how will the benefits
therefrom be distributed? Very useful telecommunications glossary.
Upper-division and graduate collections."-Choice
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