Attachment to ALIA's submission to the Standard Telephone Service Group
November 1996
Summary
This attachment has been prepared by the Rural and Isolated Librarian's Special Interest Group (RILSIG) of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). This submission is set out following the key factors which are to addressed by the Review. We would be happy to provide any further information or clarification which may be of use for this review.
- An assessment of the particular needs and expectations of people living in non-metropolitan areas, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, and people with disabilities, in relation to basic telecommunications services, including voice, data and facsimile services
As professionals working in non-metropolitan areas, we are acutely aware that basic telecommunication are unsatisfactory within a large number of these regions. There are still areas which have unsustainable connections or lack access, and this in turn restricts the range of services and facilities that can be developed by information providers, such as libraries. This lack of communications options severely disadvantages those affected by it and unfairly stratifies the Australian community according to geographic location. We believe this to be discriminatory as it compounds the disadvantages caused by distance from major centres. All modes of access should be made genuinely available to all Australians. In particular, the STS Review should address the specific needs of those with a low functional literacy of the English language and those with other special needs. These needs can include high-end graphical interfaces supported by audio facilities. Access to these facilities will become increasingly important for these groups, and effective access will require the support of high bandwidth connections. AUSTEL and other regulatory bodies should continue to remain aware of emerging technologies and the services which they might provide. These should not be limited to the present services of voice, fax and narrowband data transmission, but remain open to emerging communication modes. Because technology is changing so rapidly, review of these specifications should occur on a maximum three-year cycle, dependent on developments in telecommunications technology.
- An assessment of recent and emerging changes in telecommunications technology, in terms of their implications for delivering basic services to all parts of Australia
There is rapid growth in the number of basic services which are delivered solely by electronic means, such as via the Internet. Furthermore, a large number of magazines and journals are becoming multi-formatted, such that different portions are available in hardcopy, on CD-ROM or via the Internet. While one format may refer to others, in general detailed information is not repeated. All Australians should have equity in their ability to access information, and this can only be made possible through equity in their access to the media conveying information. There exists an opportunity to make the most of emerging technology to ensure that people in all regions across Australia have available to them the range of services which are becoming commonplace both in metropolitan areas and overseas. There are also distinct disadvantages in not maximising the benefits of these technologies nationally as it effectively disempowers entire communities by denying them access to basic information services. For example, access to research information is increasingly becoming solely available through electronic means transmitted via the telecommunications infrastructure.
- An assessment of the cost implications of any proposed upgrade in the level or quality of the STS under the Universal Service Obligation
To fulfil the aims of social justice and equity, all Australians should have their connections to telecommunications services upgraded as new technologies become available. We are aware of the significant cost involved with upgrading these services, especially when accounting for the relatively small size and wide dispersal of the Australian population. However, as librarians we believe it vital that every effort should still be made to achieve this goal. In particular, we strongly question the benefits of carriers duplicating telecommunications infrastructure while there are many remote Australians who still do not have access to basic services.
- An assessment of whether the requirement in respect of payphones under the current universal service obligations is appropriate, particularly in view of the importance of payphones in meeting basic telecommunications needs in remote communities
We recognise the excellent service which payphones give especially to remote and isolated communities. We would like to see this quintessentially Australian service extended to maximise access to both voice and data services. Payphones in remote areas which use innovative technologies such as solar power, already exceed world standards, and should be used as the basis for developing partnerships and strategic alliances both within Australia and overseas.
For further details concerning this attachment, please contact:
Jeanette Regan
Astronomy Branch Libraries (ANU)
Mt Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories
Private Bag Weston Creek PO 2611
ph 02 6249 0226
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