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Monetary Impact Of National Exchange Carrier Association Tariffs On Internet Access Cost In Rural Areas, Tim Obermier, Angela K. Hollman

Mountain Plains Journal of Business and Technology

This study examines the monetary impact of tariffs on consumer internet access via a digital subscriber line (DSL). Historically, the Communications Act of 1934 mandated that telephony services be provided to everyone, without exclusion. With the rapid emergence of the internet, the Connect America Fund was recently implemented to ensure equal access to both voice and broadband services. Since many telephony companies have emerged as internet service providers, DSL internet service is often bundled together with a landline telephone, especially in rural areas. This study examines the total cost of such bundled DSL internet service across the classes of cities …