Fiber optics, electric utilities and the information superhighway - The community's role

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Electricity Journal; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/1040-6190(94)90155-4· OSTI ID:7284759

Vince, C A; Fogel, J C; Nordstrom, P E

The structure of information companies and consortia that will provide vital elements of a national information network is still being shaped. The only thing certain is that development will occur and that communities have a vital stake in how it occurs. Some pioneers are already pointing the way. Fiber optic development promises to be unique, from technological, regulatory, and entrepreneurial points of view, in that all forms of telecommunications - voice, video and data - may use the same network. However, the underlying services - such as telephone, cable television, and electric utility communications - are subject to vastly different regulation, often by different regulatory bodies. Communities across the country are pondering how best to control fiber optic development, and what service, access, charges and competition should be permitted or required. Regulators are considering whether traditional regulatory theories are applicable to this technology, which transcends traditional single-purpose utilities, or whether an entirely new approach is warranted.

• OSTI ID: 7284759
• Journal Information: Electricity Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Electricity Journal; (United States) Vol. 7:1; ISSN ELEJE4; ISSN 1040-6190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNITIES
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
FIBER OPTICS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
PLANNING
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REGULATIONS