Skidmore, like most colleges, operates a dial-in modem pool for local members of the campus community. Provided free of charge, faculty and staff can use the modem service not only for Skidmore e-mail but also for full access to the Internet. Essentially, the modem service is no different from that provided by any of the regional Internet Service Providers (ISP).

There are several problems with this arrangement:

1. The modem pool is an expensive service, both in equipment costs and the need for frequent maintenance.
2. It will be very expensive for the College modem pool to take full advantage of new technologies such as cable modems and ADSL.
3. The free modem service encourages users to continue using inferior analog modems instead of more advanced commercial technologies.

Some options:

• Status Quo. Skidmore continues to provide free modem service to all faculty and staff.
• Outsourcing. Skidmore contracts with a local ISP to provide modem service at a special bulk rate.
• Decentralize. Skidmore ceases to provide modem service, referring faculty and staff to a list of local providers whose services are purchased by the individuals.

It is important to recognize that any decision to outsource or decentralize modem service is based not on disinterest in universal access, but on the recognition that commercial ISPs are better prepared to support this important service than the campus telecommunication groups.