universal service
Access for all
Universal service is the principle that essential services—especially telecommunications—should be available to everyone regardless of location or income.
The concept emerged with telephone networks: even remote rural areas should have access.
Universal service obligations require carriers to serve unprofitable regions.
The term now extends to postal service, electricity, and internet access.
- postal servicesPublic mail delivery system
- reachExtend to touch
- telecommunicationsRemote signal transmission technology
- affordabilityState of being purchasable
- subsidiesFinancial aid from government
government mandates · underserved · equal access · lifeline · poverty alleviation · essential services · community development · emergency services · broadband access · network access · economic growth · legal frameworks · public interest · telephone · public · social cohesion · accessibility standards · utility