Issues and Policies for Universal Service and Net Neutrality in a Broadband Environment

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key issues surrounding ubiquity or universal service and equity or net neutrality in telecommunications with applications for New Zealand. This paper in its initial form was presented at the conference "Telecommunications: Ubquity and Equity in a Broadband Environment" held in Wellington 26-28 August 2010.This paper provides a higher-level overview of the issues and identifies key questions that must be answered when developing policies regarding universal service and net neutrality. With the understanding that policies must recognise differences among countries yet can still benefit from international experience the paper will then based on the conference addresses and papers offer some analysis and policy recommendations to assist New Zealand in making informed policy choices.