National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Abstract:

This is the first of two profiles of telephone and computer penetration released by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The report surveys trends in telephone subscribership, as well as ownership and usage of personal computers (PCs) and modems, using 1994 data. NTIA obtained this data by contracting with the U.S. Census Bureau to add questions about PC/modem ownership and usage in its November 1994 “Current Population Survey” (CPS). The data constitutes the first Census survey of its kind regarding PC/modem ownership.

The concept of “universal service” in U.S. telecommunications policy has traditionally referred to the goal that all Americans should have access to affordable telephone service. As America has increasingly become an information society, however, that concept has broadened to include access to information services. Now that a considerable portion of today’s business, communication, and research takes place on the Internet, access to the computers and networks may be as important as access to traditional telephone services.

At the request of Vice President Gore, the Commerce Department’s NTIA has analyzed telephone and computer penetration rates across the United States to determine who is, and who is not yet, connected. The Administration has made it a fundamental goal to connect all Americans to the information infrastructure. The data in this report sheds insight on recent trends in telephone and computer usage, which should assist policymakers as they consider steps to connect all Americans to the Information Superhighway.

The second profile, released in July 1998, is titled “Falling Through the Net II: New Data on the Digital Divide.”

Keywords: digital connectivity; technology trends

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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