UNIVERSAL SERVICE IN THE INFORMATION AGE

This article examines the telecommunications and socioeconomic trends in the USA that are forcing regulators and policy makers to re-examine the concept of universal service. It proposes criteria and guidelines for redefining universal service in this changing environment, and pe rformance indicators that may be used to monitor compliance. The relev ance of this approach for other countries is discussed, with examples of how these principles and guidelines could be adapted for specific c ountry requirements.