Impact of the Common User Network Rate Structure.
Abstract
Common user networks such as AUTOVON and AUTODIN are derived within the CONUS from commercial common carrier offerings. The subscribers to these networks pay a fixed charge as determined from the Communications Services Industrial Fund (CSIF) rate schedule. This charge, in many cases, is substantially different from available tariffed services. In addition, for some users, the CSIF charge does not reflect the government's cost to furnish the service. As a result, it is in many instances less costly to the subscriber to use a commercial service. Such local optimizations tend to increase the total cost to the government for such communications. This study examines these trade-offs from the user's point of view and shows that for certain classes of users, the CSIF rate structure forces them to the commercial offerings. These include low data rate subscribers to AUTODIN and in general subscribers either within a limited geographic area or having a small community of interest. It is suggested that the CSIF rate schedules be reflective of commercial tariff alternatives and consistent in rate form. This would preclude the optimization of the subscriber's cost at the expense of increasing the government's total communications cost. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA099157
Entities
People
- W. G. Hartung