Gore Promotes Universal Access to the Global Information Infrastructure

(October 15, 1998)  Vice President Al Gore addressed the International Communications Union in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Monday, October 12.  He primarily addressed ways to further the development of the Internet and telecommunications, and ways to expand access for people around the world.   However, he also addressed the Year 2000 conversion problem.

V.P. Al Gore

Gore spoke about something which he calls the "Global Information Infrastructure" which he defined as "a network of networks that transmits messages and images at the speed of light and on every continent -- ultimately linking all human knowledge."  He spoke to the ITU, which is the United Nations' chief telecommunications organization.

He delivered a lengthy, but carefully worded address, which generally steered clear of controversial technological and political issues.

Gore stated that the United States has been pursuing and advocating five goals to advance the "Global Information Infrastructure" -- "private investment, competition, open access, flexible regulatory framework, and universal service." 

He elaborated on some of these items.  (1) He advocated private investment in and privatization of telecommunications companies.  (2) He praised "competition, because competition leads to innovation, better services, and better prices for consumers."  (3) He said that there should be "open access to the telephone network." (4) He also said that there should be a "flexible regulatory framework."  But he did not elaborate on what this means.

(5) Finally, he advocated universal service policies.  Although, he was cryptic in his description.  He started by describing it as "basic telecommunications services," but then also referenced hooking up computers.  He also uttered something about it being a liberating "force in human history."  Gore did not touch on the FCC's universal service support for high cost rural areas, the FCC's subsidies for schools and libraries, or the tax which bears his name.

Digital Declaration of Independence

Gore then advocated five new proposals for the Global Information Infrastructure (GII), which he termed a "Digital Declaration of Independence":

• "First, we, must improve access to technology so everyone on the planet is within walking distance of voice and data telecommunications services within the next decade."
• "Second, we must overcome our language barriers and develop technology with real-time digital translation so anyone on the planet can talk to anyone else."
• "Third, we must create a Global Knowledge Network of people who are working to improve the delivery of education, health care, agricultural resources, and sustainable development -- and to ensure public safety."
• "Fourth, we must use communications technology to ensure the free-flow of ideas and support democracy and free speech."
• "Fifth, we must use communication technology to expand economic opportunity to all families and communities around the globe."

Gore concluded his comments on the GII by saying:

"This is our Digital Declaration of Interdependence -- five challenges that can strengthen our global community for the 21st Century.  If we can improve access to technology so everyone on the planet is near voice and data communication; if we can overcome our language barriers with real-time digital translation; if we can create a global network of people to improve the delivery of education and agriculture; if we can use communication technology to ensure the free-flow of ideas and democracy: and if we can create networks to expand economic opportunity around the world -- we will not only harness our newest technologies, we will do so in a way that strengthens our oldest values."

Ambassadors Who Can Write Code?

Gore then addressed the year 2000 conversion problem.  He said the it was a high priority in the United States.  And to help other nations with their Y2K problems, he offered that "Our ambassadors are ready to work with you and provide any technical assistance you need."