The "lifeline" concept proposes subsidizing access to the information superhighway for economically disadvantaged persons. Government intervention is necessary to prevent gaps, but right of access at an affordable price is no solution; lifelines should not be tied to a specific technology; and incentives to telecommunications providers…

Rich Greenfield examines the basics of today's net neutrality debate that is likely to be an ongoing issue for society. Greenfield states the problems inherent in the definition of "net neutrality" used by Common Cause: "Network neutrality is the principle that Internet users should be able to access any web content they choose and…

Franchise fees are a tax imposed on a private entity to compensate a municipality for use of a public property for private gain. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 grants municipalities the right to assess a 5% franchise fee to both cable companies and competitors of cable companies, such as operators of open video systems. The Minnesota State…