03-12-2010, 09:10 AM
No we're not getting the bang we should.
I think part of the problem is people don't really know how the fund is used. On average, Puna residents probably receive $10 - $15 a month subsidy on their landline service (more if located further away with few subscribers). That's never seen or discussed because it's small compared to the over $14,000 per drop on Maui. So people complain abut the "subsidy" when they see that figure and call for the fund to be abolished as some handout to the poor and tax on everyone else. Yet, their phone bill would be $12 or so more per month without it. They don't see what they are getting so they don't think they are the recipient of funds as well.
I see no reason not to end subsidy for anything but basic residential landlines and school/library. All the other stuff really is just welfare to telecoms, wireless companies and internet providers. Nobody said you have the right to expect high speed internet service or cell phones as part of “basic telephone” service.
I think part of the problem is people don't really know how the fund is used. On average, Puna residents probably receive $10 - $15 a month subsidy on their landline service (more if located further away with few subscribers). That's never seen or discussed because it's small compared to the over $14,000 per drop on Maui. So people complain abut the "subsidy" when they see that figure and call for the fund to be abolished as some handout to the poor and tax on everyone else. Yet, their phone bill would be $12 or so more per month without it. They don't see what they are getting so they don't think they are the recipient of funds as well.
I see no reason not to end subsidy for anything but basic residential landlines and school/library. All the other stuff really is just welfare to telecoms, wireless companies and internet providers. Nobody said you have the right to expect high speed internet service or cell phones as part of “basic telephone” service.