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. The Rep~rt of the North Carolina Task Force on PUbliJ:lecomm To Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. INTERCONNECTIONS For North Carolina And Beyond

.. ~ NCJRS

JUL 261979

ACQUISITIONS The Report of the North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommunications to Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. INTERCONNECTIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND The Report of the North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommunications to Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.

The work of the North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommunications was made possible by grants from the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and the John and Mary R. Markle Foundation. NORTH CAROLINA TASl( FORCE ON PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS James B.Hunt, Jr., Governor Herbert L. Hyde, Chairman 116 WestJones Street Raleigh,27603 Office Staff: (919) 733-4131

April 4, 1979

The Honorable James B. Hunt, Jr. Governor of North Carolina Raleigh, North Carolina

Dear Governor Hunt:

I am pleased to present to you INTERCONNECTIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND, the report of the North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommunications.

In your Executive Order establishing this Task Force, you charged it to recommend ways of harnessing modern telecommunications for ~he benefit of all North Carolinians. From the beginning, it was clear that assessing a state's entire telecommunications posture is an impossible job, far too complex for a year's work. Yet, unless such an assessment were begun, North Carolina would be ill­ prepared to take advantage of burgeoning new communications technologies.

Fortunately, your vision of the necessity for such a study was shared by two private foundations. The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation awarded start-up funds, and major support followed from the John and Mary R. Mark~e Foundation. The total of $84,052 was enhanced by a very strong commitment of time and energy from public officials and concerned citizens across North Carolina.

Our comprehensive survey of a state's telecommunications facilities, and of the services delivered via those facilities, was apparently unique in 1978. Much attention has been focused on our efforts. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, formed in the Department of Commerce after our study was underway, appointed a special liaison to attend our meetings, observe our progress, and provide professional advice as needed.

The title INTERCONNECTIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND stems from variations on the interconneo'tion theme observed throughout the study period. Telephone, tel~processing, broadcast and other networks interconnect people with e.ach other, and people with information, throughout North Carolina and beyond. Public agencies are -- or might be -- interconnected and thereby share in the use of public facilities. Interconnections beyond the borders of this state, by satellite communications, for example, are an increasingly important consideration. Honorable James B. Hunt, Jr. Page two April 4, 1979

Because some Task Force recommendations were intended for action during the 1979 session of the General Assembly, major portions of the recommendations were presented to you early this year. These and the other recommendations in this report share.three general goals: (1) to promote coordination and cooperation in telecommunications activities so that they may be undertaken effectively and efficiently; (2) to sustain interest in examining forms of telecommunications, old and new, as a way of equalizing and improving citizen access to quality services; and (3) to maintain the means or, if necessary, establish the means, whereby North Carolina will have the needed information and flexibility to make sound decisions during the coming decade of explosive technological developments.

Our recommendations and this report fulfill the Task Force's responsibilities. Yet they constitute a beginning as well as an ending. In the future, quicker access to communications in emergencies could save lives. Video communications could allow residents of the most distant and rural areas of the state to tour the opening of the North Carolina Museum of Art in its new building. Citizens in every part of the state could listen to the proceedings of the General Assembly, or of their local school board, and thereby participate more directly in their government. Telecommunicated meetings of people in distant places could save energy, time and money.

We are grateful for the privilege of exploring the public tele­ communications potential for North Carolina. This state can harness telecommunications for the economic, cultural, educa.... tional, social and, literally, physical welfare of its citizens. Under your leadership, the right course has been set toward interconnections of people with people, and of people with infor­ mation. We are confident that this course will be followed into the excitement of the dawning telecommunications era.

Sincerely,

1" MEMBERS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA TASK FORCE ON PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS

William L. Ballenger Visiting Lecturer, School of Education, North Carolina State University, Raleigh.,

Joseph B. Carter Director, Educational Resources, Department of Community Colleges, Raleigh.

Frank A. Daniels, Jr. Publisher, The News and Observer, and The Raleigh Times, Raleigh.

Melvin R. Daniels, Jr. Member of the North Carolina Senate, Elizabeth City.

Paul Essex Special Assistant to the Governor for Federal and State Relations, Raleigh. (Ex officio member.)

Eli N. Evans President, The Revson Foundation, New York, N.Y.

Joel L. Fleishman Vice Chancellor, Duke University, Durham.

William C. Friday President, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Helen E. Gamble Specialized Opportunity Services Specialist, Sen(~and Community Action, Inc., Chadbourn.

James F. Goodmon President, Capitol Broadcasting, Raleigh.

Joseph W. Grimsley Secretary .. North Carolina Department of Administration, Raleigh. (Ex officio member.)

Wade H. Hargrove Partner, Tharrington, Smith, and Hargrove; Counsel to the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, Raleigh.

Herbert L. Hyde Attorney and former Nnrth Carolina legislator, Asheville. (Chairman of the Task Force.)

Claudia Kadis Buard Member and President, Goldsboro Art League, Goldsboro.

Quentin W. Lindsey Science and Public Policy Advisor to the Governor, Raleigh. (Vice Chairman of the Task Force.)

William H. McMillan Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Statesville.

Larry K. Monteith Dean, School of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh.

A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of Public Instruction, Department of Public Education, Raleigh.

Emily Preyer Washington, D.C.

Charles G. Rose, III Member, United States House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. (Vice Chairman of the Task Force.) ,

Joseph C. Ross Dir~ctor, Communications Center, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville.

Barbara N. Smith Assistant Secretary, Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Raleigh. (Ex officio member.)

Carrie Winter Member, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, Charlotte.

v SPECIAL THANKS

Dr. George Bair, Director of Educational Televisiun at the University of North Carolina, and Elsie Brumback, Director of the Division of Educational Media of the Department of Public Instruction, gave distinguished service to the Task Force as representatives for Dr. William C. Friday and Dr. A. Craig Phillips, respectively, on those occasions when the members were unable to attend meetings.

TASK FORCE STAFF

William Garrison Staff Counsel

Salvatore R. Genova Consultant

Susan McAdams Consultant

Norman H. Sefton Consultant

Belinda Sherard Administrative Secretary

Frank M. Snyder Ch ief Consul tant

David C. Stevens Research Associate

Lee Wing Staff Director

VOLUNTEER ADVISORS TO THE TASK FORCE

Scott Reed Fort Bragg

Sanford H. Smith Greensboro

Wesley H. Wallace Chapel Hill

Stanley Webster Wmston-Salr m

TASK FORCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC RADIO

Julian C. Burroughs Winston-Salem

Charles Crutchfield Charlotte

Nathaniel Fullwood Raleigh

Valeria Lee Warrenton

Joseph Ross* Fayetteville

Gary Shivers Chapel Hill

Don Trapp Brevard

Wesley H. Wallace Chapel Hill (Chairman)

*Also a member of the Task Force.

vi CONTENTS

Summary of Major Findings and Recommendations ......

Chapter I: Introduction ...... 7

Chapter II: Public Services and Telecommunications ...... 15 A. Cultural, Educational, and Information Services ...... 17 Telecommunications Applications: Teach ing with Television ...... 22 B. Health and Social Services .. : ...... , ...... 25 Telecommunications Applications: North Carolina Looks at Telehealth Opportunities ...... 28 C. Public Safety Services ...... 31 Telecommunications Applications: 911-Hel p is Just Three Digits Away ...... 35 D. Government Operations ...... , ...... , • , ...... 37 Telecommunications Applications: Eye in the Sky ...... 41 E. Public/Government Interaction ...... 43 Telecommunications Applications: Satell ite Videoconference Links Raleigh-Washington ...... 47

Chapter III: Laws and Regulations ...... 49 Telecommunications Applications: "Blue Skies" for Durham Cable Users ...... 55

Chapter IV: State Facilities and Systems ...... •...... 59 Telecommunications Applications: DAISY -A Unique Teaching Concept for Adult Learners ...... 83

Chapter V: Emerging Technologies ...... 85 Telecommunications Applications: A Dozen Ways New Technologies May Change Your Life ...... 90

Chapter VI: Recommendations ...... •...... 93

Appendix A: Governor's Executive Order Establishing the Task Force ...... 99 Appendix B.: Methods ...... 100 Appendix C: Services Interview Questionnaire ...... 101 Appendix D: Facilities Data Collection Questionnaire ...... 102 Appendix E: Proposed Statute for the Agency for Public Telecommunications ...... 103 Appendix F: Proposed Statute for the Department of Administration. , •... '.' ...... 106 Appendix G: Proposed Statute for the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina Center for Public Television ...... 107 Appendix H: Summary ofthe Report of the Radio Advisory Committee ...... 108 Appendix I: References ...... 109 Appendix J: Acknowledgments ...... •.. 110 Appendix K: Glossary of Terms Used in This Report ...... ~ ...... 112 SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction and data banks to provide citizens with information. The Department of Public Instruction, through its Division of The North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommu­ Educational Media, plans in-school programs to be broad­ nications was created by Executive Order in February, cast by UNC-TV. 1978, to study, within a year, all aspects of the ~tate's pub­ lic telecommunications and to plan for their future develop­ Problems and Solutions ment 50 that North Carolinians may derive maximum bene­ fit at least cost from the rapid growth of telecommunica­ Based on the evidence assembled, the Task Force de­ tions technologies. The study, supported chiefly by private termined that there are currently imbalances between fa­ foundation grants and carried out by a 23-member com­ cilities available and facilities needed to deliver services. mission chaired by Herbert L. Hyde, included an inventory These imbalances take several forms. SomJ facilities are of facilities and personnel currently engaged in telecom­ underused because they were purchased or leased to serve munications; and interviews with about 200 public officials one office which mak(· only partial use of them. Other concerning the telecommunications-dependent services facilities are insufficient to the needs of the office for offered by their agencies. which they were obtained, so that some services go unde­ livered. Many facilities cannot be shared because they are Inventory incompatible. Substantial funds can be saved and services improved by redressing these imbalances. Telecommunications means transmitting signals (pic­ During the eight-month period of the inventory and in­ tures, sound, data, etc.) from one place to another place, terviews, the Task Force heard more than 50 presentations usually by electronic means. Two examples of large state­ about uses of telecommunications to deliver services within supported telecommunications systems are the state tele­ North Carolina and elsewhere. Also attending these meet­ phone network (DAIN) aDd the Highway Patrol's two-way ings were personnel representing almost every department radio system. Systems inventoried by the Task Force in­ in state government. They were often surprised to learn cluded telephone, teleprocessing (data communication), what was going on in offices other than their own. Many two-way r,1dio, satellites, microwave, closed-circuit, cable, of them were pleased to find out for the first time about public radio broadcasting, and public television broad­ new technologies and chances for coordination. This casting, among others. More than 300 separate systems strongly suggested that the problems of imbalance could be were identified. redressed by more coherent planning and better under­ standing of new technologies. Interviews Thus the Task Force reached two conclusions about how to achieve better balance between service needs and Through personal interviews, the Task Force found a available facilities. One was that more cost-effective and variety of services offered via telecommunications. For in­ efficient use of telecommunications systems would result stance, Wildlife law enforcement officials rely on two-way if personnel in various offices were systematically· informed radio communications in the field. The General Assembly about facilities and encouraged to share them. The second relies on teleprocessing for bili status reports. CARE-LINE, conclusion was that emerging technologies offer fresh op­ in the Department of Human Resources, uses telephones portunities to improve efficiency. New technologies will un- 2 questionably continue to lead to displacement of current APT's annual request can be expected to support chiefly facilities. Satellites, for example, have the potential of pro­ the Agency's advisory functions. Thus, the amount of viding for a wide range of communications needs and mOrley requested in state appropriations will progressively should become increasingly cost-effective during the next decrease to a level about one-fourth of the current request; decade as users are aggregated a-cross agencies and across and APT should become gradually self-supporting as to its states. Moreover, much of the technology for telecommuni­ production functions within a very few years. In fatt, the cations is decreasing in price, following the pattern exempli­ APT production center should be discontinued unless it fied in an earlier decade by the shift from vacuum tube to shows signs of becoming self-supporting within a very few transistor. Finally, comprehensive planning for the use of years. The proposed legislation requires a report within emerging systems can promote compatibility. three years, part of which will evaluate the merit of the Based on these conclusions-that users can be aggre­ media center. gated and that new technologies offer a good chance to From nearly the beginning, however, state appropria­ plan aggregation-the Task Force recommends two pieces tions for the media center can be counted on to result in of legislation as ways to save money while improving ser­ SUbstantial savings. Last year, more than $3.5 mill ion was vices through telecommunications. The Task Force has spent on media productions (for personnel, facilities and made a third major recommendation discussed later in this contracts) by general state government, exclusive of the summary under public broadcasting. University system. The Task Force found cameras tucked away in closets, tape recorders unused, and expensive, low­ APT quality prodLlctions on contract with outside agencles. At the same time, the Task Force found many unmet needs. One piece of legislation creates the Age ICY for Public Among them: for video and audio tapes to be distributed Telecommunications (APT). This agency will (1) advise to the schools; for information tapes teaching good home public agencies on technological developments, available health practices which may help curtail rising medical facilities, and opportunities for coordination; (2) operate a costs; for advice on the most efficient ways to produce pro­ media center to produce materials that may be telecommu­ grams; and for alternative distribution technologies. With nicated by cable, landlines, closed circuit, satellite, broad- APT centralizing media facilities and personnel, other agen­ . cast, microwave, or other distribution systems; and (3) sup­ cies' practices of buying materials on a piecemeal basis can port development of public radio. be phased down with substantial savings to the taxpayer. $550,000 is requested for APT each year of the bien­ nium, of which $125,000 is specifically for public radio.* Department of Administration Statutes After the first few years, only about $100,000 {plus an amount for radio} would appear as an annual request. This A separate piece of legislation recommended by the recurring appropriation would support APT's advisory func­ Task Force will pull together currently fragmented statutes tion concerning all aspects of telecommunications planning, in the Department of Administration. While this legislation including two-way radio frequency coordination; digital does not substantially change the Department's role, it systems for telephones and teleprocessing; satellite-sharing defines and clarifies in modern terms the Department's tra­ to decrease costs of communications; uses of cable to deliver ditional statutory responsibilities for operating and manag­ public services; computer-assisted instruction i and other ing many state telecommunications systems. This legislation kinds of systems. The Task Force study documented at involves a request for $52,123 for each year to provide two least $50 million being spent aroually to operate the more additional technical staff members needed to get the job than 300 separately operated, publicly supported telecom­ done. This amount can be more than offset by savings munications systems. The Task Force is therefore confident through coordinated planning, buying, and maintenance of that substantial savings, many times the investment of telecommunications facilities. $100,000, will be derived from focusing attention on im­ One example of the coordination to be provided under proved coordination, greater comp?ibility, and more effi­ the proposed legislation will help explain why technical cient uses of new technologies. staff should be added to the Department of Administration. The bul k of the funds requested is to be used in the Currently, there is no office in state government specifically first year to begin to acqUire facilities and to select per­ assigned to coordinate all two-way radio frequencies used sonnel needed for the media production center. As APT be­ by state and local agencies. Although the Federal Commu­ gins to operate as a consolidated center for state govern­ nications Commission (FCC) al/ocates frequencies at both ment production needs, other agencies will contract for ser­ state and local levels, it uses the North Carolina Chapter of vices and there will be income and support for APT from the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officers to many state government dej:>artments. After three year!;, help coordinate police radio frequencies. The FCC works with a different .group for fire department frequencies. *Public radio and its role in APT are discussed later in Neither the police nor the fire group is responsible for co­ this summary. ordinating radio frequencies for Emergency Medical Ser- ---~------

3 vices, Wildlife, and so forth. This means that state and lo­ Re-evaluation of Task Force Recommendations cal agencies may sometimes be in competition for scarce frequencies from the FCC; that no one is responsible for The APT legislation, in paragraph (12) of 143B-422.3, planning across systems so that agents from different of­ calls for a report to the Governor between two and three fices can communicate with each other during emergencies; years after APT is established to determine how well the and that the state loses the benefits of both the monetary plan is working. The Task Force believes that, at the time savings and improved services that could be ach ieved by of the re-evaluation, the merits of a separate Department of joint planning. Telecommunications should be considered. Such a Depart­ These statutory revisions clarify the, responsibility of ment would have responsibility for telecommunications the Department of Administration to perform frequency policy and management across state government. The Task coordination. An engineer employed under the funds re­ Force did consider making this recommendation, but re­ quested would have, as one of his functions, the coordina­ jected the idea as premature or perhaps ultimately unneces­ tion of frequencies among the different agencies. This per­ sary. More experience is needed. The year-long Task Force son would provide the engineering support that otherwise, study only scratched the surface of the state's far-flung and and under current practices, would have to be contracted copious telecommunications activities. Information known for at far greater expense. Note that frequency coordina­ to be missing will have to be dug out on a continUing basis tion represents only a small part of the long list of respon­ by the APT staff as an essential part of the APT Board's ad­ sibilities for telecommunications planning and coordina­ visory function. Thus, while the Task Force agreed that it tion, both as currently written and as revised (see GS 143- was not appropriate to recommend concentrating telecom­ 340). munications management in a separate state agency at this time, the possibility should be examined again in about three years. One source of information will be the experi­ The Legislative Package ence of some industries and the federal government, for which telecommunications management is being centralized. The Task Force considers the two proposed pieces of What the Task Force is proposing may suffice: struc­ legislation-APT and the Administration statutes revision­ turing a telecommunications advisory system and centraliz­ as a "package" enabling North Carolina to take maximum ing media, productions through APT; and clarifying manage­ advantage of telecommunications developments at least ment responsibilities through the Department of Adminis­ cost, with the flexibility to respond to rapidly changing tration. When the re-evaluation takes place, it may well be technologies. in this package, operational and management determined that no additional major changes are needed. functions rest clearly with the Department of Administra­ tion, as they have in the past, except for the operation of The Relationship of APT to Public Broadcasting the media production center, responsibility for which rests with the APT Board. This Board is to be composed of a The Task Force considered public broadcasting and its broadly representative citizen group and of state officials relationship to other forms of public telecommunications. heading departments with substantial telecommunications Two important premises underlie Task Force recommen­ commitments, including the state's major educathllal dations in this area. One is that, to paraphrase the Carnegie agencies, the DeIJartment of Administration, and the Gen­ Commission's recent designation of public broadcasting as eral Assembly. The impact of APT's advisory functions "a national treasure," public television and public radio should be great because of the integral participation of should be viewed as state treasures and strongly supported. governmental leaders themselves in developing the advice. The second premise is that production and distribution fa­ Top executives will be kept constantly informed of the ef­ cilities are required for the offering of many important fect of telecommunications on their operations and will services to the public, and that public agencies must have therefore be more likely to emphasize telecommunications recourse to more avenues for both production and distribu­ planning in their departments. tion than through public broadcasting alone. The APT Board will balance a concern for cost-effec­ Whle public broadcasters and state agencies can be mu­ tiveness with a concern for improving services. It will use tually supportive, the state cannot and should not try to its advisory powers to focus attention on telecommunica­ depend excl usively on public broadcasting licensees to de­ tions as an efficient means of extending benefits to all liver cultural, educational, and informational programs to citizens, especially underserved groups such as rural citizens the public. A broadcasting station, whether public or com­ and handicapped persons. The relationship envisioned 'be­ mercial, is like a newspaper, with First Amendment rights. tween APT and the Department is one between advisor and The FCC holds broadcast licensees responsible for balanced implementer. The Department will ,continue to be respon­ programming and for operating "in the public convenience, sible for planning and operations. Thus cooperation be­ interest and necessity." This means that requests for uses of tween the Department and APT is essential to the success public broadcasting facilities, personnel, or air time must be of the proposed plan. evaluated by the public broadcaster, no matter what his 4

sources of support are, in the context of the needs of his tems to reach various target groups. And the APT produc­ entire "community of Iicen(j~"-the people in the area tion center will be in business for the express purpose of reached by the transmitter for which he is licensed. Hun­ responding to the media needs of public agencies, without dreds of requests a year from public agencies must be the competing responsibilities of a broadcast licensee. The evaluated against hundreds of requests from various other largest users of public media traditionally have been the worthy organizations and individuals, and all of these educators. The three Task Forc,e members representing the af;Jinst national programming which also may be in the state's major educational systems supported the workability public interest to broadcast. Thus state and local ag~ncies of this cooperative arrangement. cannot and should not be able to count on public broad­ casters alone to meet their media communications needs, Support of Public Broadcasting however important. Another reason for not relying exclusively on public As asserted earlier, the Task Force concluded that pub­ broadcasting for public media services is that nonbroadcast lic broadcasting is a state treasure meriting not only con­ technologies or commercial broadcasting also may be used tinued but expanded state support. The nature of the sup­ to deliver services and will sometimes be preferable, de­ port has to be worked out differently for public television pending on the objectives to be accomplished. There will and public radio. There are two public television licensees be times when the ideal means of distributing a North Caro­ in the state: the University of North Carolina Board of Gov­ lina history program will be to make enough videotapes to enors, licensed to operate UNC-TV, a statewide television go around so that teachers will have them in their libraries network; and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Educa­ to use when and as needed. There will be time5 when a mes­ tion, which operates WTVI, Channel 42. By way of contrast sage about upcoming weather and crops will best be de­ with tho statewide nature of UNC-TV, public radio has had livered on local commercial radio station~, in farm areas. no statewide voice, though it has attracted interest in the There will be times when cable TV channels could be used­ audio or visual channels-to distribute information to General Assembly. The Task Force brought together the audiences interested in the proceedings of the General As­ non-commercial radio broadcasters in North Carolina for sembly. (111 ract, cable TV has recently been selected as part the first time at a meeting in June, 1978. of the system for distributing the proceedings of the House of Representatives in Washington.) And there are other Public Television means of distribution-closed circuit, satellite, landlines among them-which might be chosen to fit the need. The Task Force approached its study of the University of North Carolina Television Network in the wake of a Gen­ Cooperation eral Assembly appropriation to extend the reach of the Network's signal to parts of the state not currently reached, The APT production center can supply the resources or reached with a poor signal. This commitment by the and flexibility enabling public agencies to meet media-re­ State Legislature was interpreted as a sign of its continuing lated needs not met by public broadcasting. Each job to be recogn ition of the value of North Carolina's publicly sup­ done by a public agency seeking media services should be ported statewide television network. At the same time, the evaluated: How can the job be done most effectively? Least Task Force came to realize that the dollar commitment to expensively? Are interactive (two-way) telecommunications public television has been small in North Carolina relative called for? There is every reason and opportunity for co­ to that in other states. While North Carolina state funds oper«tion between public broadcasting and the APT facility. comprise $2.97 million of the total annual UNC-TV budget, The public broadcaster will continue to choose to under­ Nebraska provides $4 million of the total in funding for its take particular projects for which public broadcasting is the educational television system; Pennsylvania provides $6.5 appropriate producer and distributor. Moreover, the APT million; and South Carolina provides $8.7 million. These facility will be available to public broadcasters as well as amounts become doubly signiflcant when it is remembered to other public agencies, as a regUlar part of APT's receipts­ that federal funds are available on a matching basis. More­ based operation. over, of UNC-TV's total $3.7 million budget, most funds The different missions of public broadcasters and the must go for operations, engineering, and for the purchase APT production center will mean negligible overlapping. of national programs, so that relatively little is left for local The 'former will produce and broadcast either public tele­ North Carolina prodUctions. It was further recognized that vision programs or public radio program!> designed to satis­ there is a danger that the importance of public television fy the audiences ih their "communities of service." APT may tend to be overlooked when its operating budget is one will offer a wide variety of products-tapes, both audio and small part of the entire budget of a major university system. video; closed circuit interactive teleconferences; instruction­ Finally, UNC-TV's own management led the Task Force to al or informational programs; computer-assisted instruction­ understand that the Network has aspirations beyond its al materials-and employ a wide variety of distribution sys- current means. One area of development discussed by the 5

Task Force, for example, was the need for more North tions, which should continue to prodUce and broadcast Carolina news programs. programs for their respective local "communities of in­ A way of solving these problems was suggested by the terest." Representative McMillan explained that his interest member of the Task Force closest to the matter, UNC Pres­ was in seeing that North Carolinians across the state have ident William C. Friday, who proposed that there be estab­ access to the benefits of public radio, including access to lished a special Board of Trustees for UNG·TV, to operate NPR progr?\11s now available only in the areas where the in much the manner of the Board for Memorial Hospital. three current NPR-member stations are located. This new Board would become an advocate for University Following the Julle meeting, a Radio Advis~ry Com­ Television, giving it more visibility and promoting its wel­ mittee) chaired by UNC-CH Professor WeSley Wallace, was fare and progress. The Task Force unanimously endorsed appointed. The Committee had the joint duties of (1) ad­ President Friday's proposal, and it is understood that the vising the Task Force about public radio; and (2) preparing Board of Governors will present legislation to establish the a report for the University to present to the General Assem­ new Board of Trustees for UNC-iV. bly, under the terms of the McMillan-sponsored $125,000 As to the Charlotte station, the Task Force followed appropriation to the Board of Governors to study and plan the suggestion of another of its members, Carrie Winter, for public "adio in North Carolina. The Task Force heard who also is a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board from Professor Wallace and others associated with the of Education, licensee for the station. She asked that means Radio Advisory Committee on a number of occasions. The of cooperation be sought between independent WTV!, report of that group is summarized in Appendix H. It in­ Channel 42, and WUNG, Channel 58 of the UNC-TV Net­ cI udes an engineering study recommending an orderly work. These neighboring transm itters currently carry process for adding and upgrading public radio stations many of the same PBS programs in the evenings, though across the state. An important underlying assumption was daytime school programs are often different. The UNC-TV to build, where possible, on existing stations. The report statewide signal strengthening plan calls for upgrading the also provides for these independently licensed FCC stations WUNG transmitter; WTVI's transmitter needs replacement. to share programs and operate sometimes on an intercon­ WTVI has production facilities and a studio; WUNG has nected basis. none in the Charlotte area. The Task Force has gone on The Task Force stipulated, in the proposed legislation record as sugges1"Jng that the Network management and new creating APT, that a Radio Committee be established to ad­ UNC-TV Board work with the Channel 42 licensee to see vise the APT Board on disbursing state funds for the devel­ whether some sort of agreement between the two could opment of public radio across the state. The chairman of lead to better services at reduced costs to Charlotte tax­ the Radio Advisory Committee is to be a voting ex officio payers, with a possible single licensee serving as a model member of the APT Board. Funding requested in support for the state in offering local as well as statewide public of public radio, through APT, is $125,000 for 1979-80. television services. In addition) funds remaining from the $125,000 for the radio study are requested to be transferred from the Board of Govern "s to the APT Board) and designated for public Public Radio radio development.

About thirty stations were represented at the June, 1978, Task Force meeting on public radio. These included stations licensed to campuses in the University system; sta­ Security ~ Privacy) and Access tions licensed to private educational institutions; and sta­ tions licensed to private nonprofit community boards. Individual liberties may be threatened by some applica­ Three stations were members of National Public Radio tions of telecommunications. For e;.;ample, the capacity to (NPRL meaning that they meet certain facility and person­ gather, store and retrieve health information by teleprocess­ nel requirements enabling them to qualify for participation ing carries both the possibility for better health care, in NPR's national program services. The others ranged n'om through fuller and better organized information, and the fairly large stations with NPR aspirations to small orles violation of privacy if such information is misused. While serving student needs and interests. some assert that information stcred by computer can be One of the panelists at the June radio meeting was better protected than information in file drawers, impor­ Task Force member and State Representative William Mc­ tant questions remain as to who should have access to what Millan, who announced during the meeting that he had just information and when that access is in the public interest. introduced a bill to fund consideration of publ ic radio Following lengthy study, the Department of Crime networking. In the discussion that followed, public radio <;:ontrol and Public Safety is proposing to establish a group professionals emphasized that FCC licensing is based on to study the problems of privacy and freedom of informa­ local service and that networking should be considered only tion. The Task Force on Public Telecommunications en­ as an interconnection of independently operated local sta- dorses in principle the establishment of this commission. 6

The Future other and help citizens to participate more actively in their government. One example: the proceedings of the Members of the Task Force, mindful that the public General Assembly (and of local school boards, city coun­ is demanding a lean, effective, and accountable government, cils and other governmental bodies) could be made avail­ believe that the legislative package creating APT and up­ able regularly to North Carolinians in their homes. An­ d:'ting Department of Administration telecommunications other: public hearings by teleconferencing could facilitate stai:.utes will save money. The millions spent annually on participation by citizens living in remote areas. The possi­ prodl\ction services, personnel, and contracts can be re­ bilities of reaching 'people through telecommunications­ organized for greater efficiency, thus reducing costs while and of having them reach back-are nearly limitless. allowing improved services. Fragmented expenditures in . The Task Force members have been privileged to ex­ other areas should also become consolidated, and costs plore the public telecommunications potential for North should decline because state government will be looking at Carolina and to make recommendations for developing that telecommunications operations as a whole rather than as a potential. Many hours have been devoted' during the past collection of parts. The Task Force itself, though only a year to hearing and seeing demonstrations, studying ma­ temporary enterprise, has sparked interest among state terials, and conducting interviews. From this experience, personnel in economizing: various agencies consulted with members have come to understand the dramatic impact members and staff for help in making the most economical changes in telecommunications are bound to have on our use of their telecommunications systems. The legislative society, an impact far more dramatic than that. associated package is a direct n'sult of Task Force members' desire to with the introduction of television. The Task Force recom­ put into place a continuing means to save money in tele­ mendations are stated in the pragmatic language of ecol1o­ communications. mies to be gained and services to be performed, as they There are other benefits as well. U.S. Representative should be. Let not such plain tal k veil the excitement fore­ Charles Rose, a Vice Chairman of the Task Force, asserts seen through the harnessing of modern telecommunications that telecommunications can bring people closer to each for the future of this state. CHAPTER I: Introduction

The North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommu­ tem (PBS) agreed to use satellite distribution as a replace­ nications came into existence on February 14, 1978, as a ment for the leasing of conventional telephone lines. This response to numerous state and national developments in change is expected to result in reduced costs, better tech­ telecommunications. 1977 had been a year of profound nical quality, and increased opportunity for programs selec­ change in telecommunications technology, marketing, tivity by local stations. By 1980, when station members of legislation, and regulation. The Task Force was created to National Public Radio (NPR) join the satellite distribution advise North Carolinians about opportunities to achieve system, simultaneous radio/television broadcasts in stereo the full benefits of modern public telecommunications or even quadraphonic sound will become available. Farther technology within this shifting framework. ' ahead is the likelihood of data and text transmission ser­ vices entering homes via satellite (as is already happening BACKGROUND by cable), and of an exponential growth in programming choices through direct broadcast-to-home satellite capa­ Technological Developments bilities. Satellites also offer unique opportunities for pub­ lic/government interaction. On April 15, 1977, a videocon­ Telecommunications has traditionally been defined as ferenc'e between U.s. Representative and Task Force Mem­ electronic communications over long distances employing ber Charles Rose and citizens in Raeford, North Carolina, such means as television, radio, telephone and remote data demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites and two-way processing (teleprocessing). What had been a workable television as a means of increa3ing public involvement in definition in the past has become increasingly complicated government. in recent years, as telecommunications technologies have Such technological developments as packet switching, blended into one another, and newer technologies have be­ text transmission, video disks, and miniaturization of com­ gun to appear. While some new technologies were emerging, ponent parts in all telecommunications systems are ex­ others were merging. Optical fibers provide a good exam­ pected to influence our iives in the next decade. Even when ple: these glass fibers, which carry information in the form these developments are only in the planning stages, they of light pulses, will probably replace telephone cables in have an impact on business marketing decisions and 'ulti­ many areas within the next dozen years and will make pos­ mately on society itself. These marketing decisions affect sible the introduction of a wide range of data, audio, and and are strongly affected by govern men cal action: regula­ video signals to the home. The blurring of traditional dis­ tion, legislation, and policy making. Planning, therefore, tinctions between the various telecommunications methods cannot be viewed in a vacuum but rather in relation to the is a crucial reason for basing telecommunications planning broad economic and political currents affecting public tele­ on a unified view rather than on narrower portions of the communications law, regulation, and policy. overall picture. Satellite communication is an example of a new tech­ The National Scene nology that not only can improve the delivery of existing services, but also can increase opportunities for human in­ In response to these many developments, a numberof teraction over long distances. In 1977, the Corporation fOI' legislative, regulatory, and administrative movements took Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the Public Broadcasting Sys- shape at the national level during 1977. Option papers were

7 8

prepared in the U.S. House of Representatives for the re­ the co-sponsorship of the National Governors' Conference write of the 1934 Communications Act, in a legislative at­ and the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy, tempt to renect the major social, economic, and techno­ among other groups. The Conference on Federal/State/Lo­ logical changes over the past decades. Many of the proposed cal Telecommunications, although only one of many simi­ reforms contained serious implications fbr regulation of the lar meetings held throughout the United States, was instru­ telephone industry, public and commercial broadcasting, mental in bringing to the attention of various North Caro­ and teleprocessing. One proposal would in effect have put lina state government officials and policy advisors the need the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) out of for a unified effort at telecommunications planning. This business. The 1968 Public Broadcasting Act was also being one conference dealt with a full range of telecommunica­ rewritten to reflect the many new telecommunications tions issues, including public broadcasting, 911 implementa­ technologies used, in addition to broadcasting, to distribute tion, radio frequency management, emergency needs for public programming. A use tax assessed against commercial public safety, and the complex web of relations between broadcasters has been under consideration as a means of state/federal and state/local telecommunications. Various funding public broadcasting. approaches were discussed as a means of simplifying the Changes in regulations and Congressional rewrites have complicated structure which had developed over decades not been the only forces· acting to alter the national tele­ of technological growth, including the sharing of talent, communications picture. Many federal telecommunications expertise, software, and hardware in ways that could lead policy functions which had previously been dispersed­ to more economical and more effective Uses of telecom­ some In the White House Office of Telecommunications munications systems. Policy, others in Commerce's Office of Telecommunica­ tions, and still others in various agencies such as the De­ The North Carolina Picture fense Department} HEW, and NASA-were brought to­ gether to ensure greater coordination in telecommunica­ The telecommunications picture in North Carolina in tions planning. The Carter administration closed down the 1977 naturally reflected national patterns of fragmentation White House office and created a new agency, the Nation­ and separation, in the way technology had developed, the al Telecommunications and Information Administration way business had grown up, and the way laws and regUla­ (NTIA) in the Department of Commerce, to coordinate tions had been written. A number of different agencies in planning and policy. Henry Geller, NTIA Administrator and general state government and the Un iversity system oper­ Assistant Secretary of Commerce, has worked closely with ated sometimes overlapping portions of the overall tele­ the Task Force, both by addressing the group in October, communications system in North Carolina. 1978, and by designating a special liaison from NTIA to the The Communications Office in the Department of Ad­ North Carolina research effort. ministration had major responsibility for the state's tele­ phone service and for consultation to other departments for Other Movements making recommendations on systems (including two-way radio, data transmission, and microwave) for cost estimates, Various public and private groups were also emphasiz­ technical specifications, and compliance with FCC require­ ing telecommunications. In June, 1977, the Carnegie Cor­ ments. Additionally, the Communications Officer was re­ poration of New York announced the formation of a com­ sponsible for investigating and developing new communica­ mission to study the future of public broadcasting in light tions systems utilizing emerging technologies. of technological, social, administrative and legal changes. The Management Systems Division in the Department "Carnegie Commission II" was a follow-up to an earlier of Administration was charged with responsibility for auto­ study on the role of public broadcasting and made far­ mated data processing in state government, performing such reaching recommendations in early 1979. (One of the functions as (1) planning, coordination, and training; (2) second Carnegie Commission's members, Eli Evans of the applications and systems development; and (3) operation Revson Foundation, was also a Task Force member.) In of the State Computer Center (SCC). Some offices of state the past few years, national conferences were being held, government were served by the SCC, while others had their organizations were being formed, and previously fragment­ own "host .;omputers. " Each office was purchasing its own ed groups were realigning as part of a growing realization communications-related equipment, ~specially for tele~ that the old pigeonholes-telephone experts, broadcasting processing, without achieving the potential economies and specialists, data processing managers, public safety two-way efficiencies to be gained from shared utilization. radio communicators, and so on-would not be adequate Public safety communications functions were dis­ for the problems and opportunities for the 1980's, nor even tributed among various offices of state government. The for the late 1970's. The need for unified approaches, for co­ statutory responsibilities of the Departments of Adminis­ operative efforts, Was clear. tration (DOA) and of Crime Control and Public Safety One such conference was held at the Goddard Space (CCPS) were refined in a memorandum of agreement con­ Center near Washington, D.C., in the spring of 1977 under cerning the two departments' roles. CCPS was delegated 9 responsibility for planning emergency and public-safety Carolina, using some of the UNC-TV transmitters, had be­ communications. Overall coordination and planning, re­ gun as early as 1975. Representative William McMillan and search, development and policy, and other general commu­ others interested in a North Carolina public radio network nications responsibilities were retained by DOA. Not all wanted to assure that public radio would be available public safety communications systems, however, are lo­ throughout the state. A related issue which received some cated in CCPS. Natural Resources and Community Develop­ attention in 1977 was the potential use of subsidiary com­ ment's Forestry and Wildlife Divisions operate separate ma­ munications authorization signals (SeA's) to provide a jor radio systems; Human Resources' Emergency Medical variety of services, especially radio reading programs to the Services Offices has facilities and consultative resources for blind and print-handicapped. Several conferences of com­ medical public safety applications; and the Department of mercial and public broadcasters, along with state personnel, Justice operates a Police Informati on Network. were held to explore the possibilities of establishing SCA Public broadcasting is another telecommunications in­ services in North Carolina. Legislative interest in public terest of the state. The seed for the establishment of a state­ radio in 1978 resulted in the assignment of $125,000 of the wide public television network in North Carolina was the $5.8 million appropriated for UNC-TV signal expansion to' FCC licensing in 1954 of the "Consolidated University of a"st'udY of public radio. North Carolina" to operate Channel 4 in Chapel Hill, with Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., had demonstrated his in­ production studios on each of the member campuses terest in telecommunications policy and planning early in (Chapel Hill, Greensboro) and Raleigh). The General Assem­ 1976 when, as Lieutenant Governor, he sponsored a Con­ bly gave birth to the concept of a statewide network when, ference on Television in Raleigh. National and North Caro­ in 1963, it made a special appropriation of $250,000 for lina broadcasting representatives explored the public's COn­ operations and $1,250,000 for facilities to develop a cerns for improving the quality of programming, especially "State-wide educational television program." Between then for children. As Governor, Mr. Hunt has expressed interest and 1977, UNC-TV, licensed to the Board of Governors of in harnessing the potential of telecommunications for de­ the 16-campus system, added seven transmitters and a cen­ livering various educational services. tral Network staff, operating on funds allocated through Other activities were influencing North Carolina's tele­ the budget for General Administration and headed by the communications during this period. Cable television under­ Director of Educational Television for North Carolina. went rapid growth. The Appalachian Educational Satellite Funds for the three campus studios were channeled through Project and the Rural Renaissance Project demonstrated the the respective campus budgets. role that the innovative application of telecommunications The 1963 appropriation to establish a network was the could play in extending educational and cultural programs result of recommendations made by a Study Commission to remote parts of the state. Money to support new tele­ established by then-Governor Terry Sanford. There has communications facilities was being requested by a wide D;:;en no statewide study of public television in North Caro­ array of state government offices, and the potential benefits lina since. Interest in UNC-TV, however, has by no means of a coordinated state effort were becoming evident. diminished. An effort to set up a commission to study vari­ ous aspects of public television in North Carolina failed in ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TASK FORCE the 1977 General Assembly} partially because legislators may have felt that such a study would constitute inter­ To take advantage of the special opportunities made ference with the internal operations of the University of available by telecommunications, and to forge a {;oherent North Carolina, in violation of legislation according the approach to telecommunications planning, Governor Hunt University the prerogative to set its own priorities. In the issued Executive Order Number 18 (see Appendix A) on summer of 1977, a Select Committee on Ed,ucational Tele­ February 14, 1978, appointing 23 selected citizens to the vision, chaired by Representative Liston Ramsey, was ap­ North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommunications. pointed by the Speaker of the Houe, Carl Stewart. The Many of the members represented various interests of the Ramsey Committee was restricted to the technical require­ general public; others brought special skills and experience ments that woule! enable UNC-TV's signal to reach all areas in telecommunications applications, law, and technology; of the state. At the subsequent Ramsey Committee hear­ still others had official duties which were important in the ings, Department of Public Instruction per~onnel presented continuing oversight of telecommunications practices and lists of schools wh ich had inadequate or no reception of policies. the daytime educational broadcasts over UNC-TV. The The Executive Order instructed members: Ramsey Committee report, issued in April, 1978, resulted (1) To study existing state telecommunications fa­ in capital appropriations of some $5.8 million for addition­ cilities and the services they deliver, and identify tele­ al transmitters, translators, microwave systems, and other communications needs. broadcasting equipment necessary to extend and improve (2) To study telecommunications costs in relation UNC-TV reception throughout the state. to current services, including exploration of potential Efforts to develop a public radio network in North monetary savings through greater interagency coopera- 10

tion and improved liaison with federal agencies which field: Panel I studied public services delivery; Panel III laws can provide financial and technical telecommunications and regulations; Panel III, the state's facilities and systems; assistance. and Panel IV, emerging technologies. Because of the convic­ (3) To study, evaluate, and inform state agencies tion that telecommunications technologies are but a means about new telecommunications technologies and the of delivering services, special emphasis was given to the first services they can deliver, with special emphasis on cost panel. Panel I was divided into five committees dealing with reduction and the improvement of services to the specific categories of public services: (1) educational, cul­ people. tural, and information services; (2) health and social ser­ (4) To consider how citizens' rights can best be pro­ vices; (3) public safety services; (4) government operations; vided for in the telecommunications activities of the and (5) services furthering public/government interaction.

Statel including the right to privacy, the right of public The panels gathered information in a variety of ways. Pre­ acceSs to facil ities and services, and the right of public sentations to the Task Force at monthly meetings dealt participation in policy making. with a wide array of telecommunications-related subjects. (5) To write a report, for delivery to the Governor, Public services delivery information was gathered primarily recommending administrative, legislative, and regula­ through personal interviews conducted by members with tory modifications necessary to assure that the citizens over 100 state government officials. Facilities data were of the State receive their full share of the benefits' of collected both through interviews and written survey forms. modern public telecommunications technology. The panel and committee structure served the Task Force well. This research design (detailed in Appendix B) Beginning the Study provided an effective format for studying telecommunica­ tions and ultimately for the organization of this report. Operating with a start-up grant of $4,375 from the Thus, the next chapter reports Task Force findings relating Mary Reyno!ds Babcock Foundation, the Task Force began to public services in the five service categories; Chapter III to devise a means for approaching its telecommunications reviews telecommunications laws and regulations; Chapter study. When major funding in the amount of $82,677 was IV inventories f::;cilities; and Chapter V looks toward tele­ granted by the John and Mary R. Markle Foundation, the communications on the horizon. The final chapter pre­ Task Force was ready to move ahead with an overall plan. sents the conclusions of the study and Task Force recom­ The Task Force divided itself into four "panels. II Each mendations aimed at harnessing the telecommunications panel investigated a portion of the telecommunications potential for the benefit of the citizens of North Carolina. 11

A CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

January 31,1978 on state teleprocessing opera­ munkations Center and WFSS­ Notification received of Task tions. FM, Fayetteville State Univer­ Force start-up grant of $4,375 sity, Fayetteville; all on "Lo­ from the Mary Reynolds Bab­ April 21, 1978 cal Stations." cock Foundation. Third Task Force meeting. Presen­ Mary Dinota, Educational tations by: Broadcast Facilities, Depart­ February 14, 1978 Dr. Joseph B. Carter, Director ment of Health, Education, Executive Order Number 18 by of Educational Resources, De­ and Welfare, Washington, D.C.; Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., es­ pattment of Community Col­ Nathaniel Fullwood, Policy tablishing the Task Force. leges, on the telecommunica­ Advisor on Higher Education tions programming needs of and the Handicapped, Depart­ February 17, 1978 the community colleges. ment of Administration; Gary First Task Force meeting. Presen­ Harold Greene, Staff Director, Shivers, Director of Radio, tations by: Criminal Justice Information WUNC-FM, Chapel Hill; all on Honorable James B. Hunt, jr., System, Department of Crime "Programming. " Governor of North Carolina, Control and Public Safety, on Sam Holt, Public Broadcasting, charge to the Task Force and the current and planned CJ IS Washington, D.C.; Valeria Lee, award of commissions to mem­ system. Station Manager, WVSP-FM, bers. Plan of operation for Task Force Warrenton; Alan Mcintyre, Di­ Honorable Joseph W. Grimsley, study approved by members. rector of Engineering, Univer­ Secretary of Administration, on sity of North Carolina Televi­ state telecommunications sys­ April 28, 1978 sion Network, Chapel Hill; all tems and management. Notification received of $82,677 on "National Affiliations, State Dr. William Lucas, then uf grant in support of the Task Force Networking, and Local Op­ Rand Corporation and now As­ from the John and Mary R. Mar­ tions. 1I ciate Administrator for Tele­ kle Foundation. communications Applications, June 19, 1978 National Telecommunications May 19, 1978 Fifth Task Force meeting. Pre­ and Information Administra­ Fourth Task Force meeting. Pre­ sentations by: tion, Washington, D.C., on in­ sentations by: Elsie Brumback, Reta Richard­ novative uses of telecommuni­ J. S. Grimes, III, Di rector, son, and Johnny Shaver, of the cations for services delivery. CARE-L1 NE Information and Division of Educational Media, Dr. Harold Morse, Director, Referral Service, Department Department of Public Instruc­ Education Division, Appala­ of Human Resources, on health tion, on school use of instruc­ chian Regional Commission, on and social service information tional television and computer­ the Appalachian Education Sat­ 5ystems. assisted instruction. ellite Project. Dr. Maxine Rockoff, then of Ronald Bradshaw, of the West­ the Department of Health, Ed­ ern Regional Educational Cen­ March 17, 1978 ucation, and Welfare, later of ter, Canton, on a proposed Second Task Force meeting. Pre­ the Department of Energy, multi-county teleprocessing sys­ sentations by: Washington, D.C., on telemedi­ tem for computer-assisted in­ Honorable Charles G. Rose, III, cine. struction and management data Member of the United States applications. House of Representatives and June9,1978 Jack Binns, Administrator, Flor­ Task Force Vice-Chairman, on Conference on Public/Educationai ida Department of Education, federal/state telecommunica­ Radio sponsored by the Task on Instructional Television tions concerns and uses of tele­ Force Panel on Cultural, Educa­ Fixed Services (ITFS). communications for public/gov­ tional, and Information Services. ernment interaction. Presentations by: August 24-25, 1978 Frank Leatherman, Communi­ Julian Burroughs, Director of Sixth Task Force meeting. Presen­ cations Officer, Department of Radio, WFDD-FM, Wake For- . tations by: Administration, on existing est University, Winston-Salem; Dr. Leroy B. Martin, Jr., Assis­ state telecommunications sys­ John Cameron, Educational tant Provost for University tems and new technologies. Broadcast Facilities, Depart­ Computing, North Carolina Robert Johns, Di rector, Man­ ment of Health, Education, State University at Raleigh, on agement Systems Division, De­ and Welfare, Washington, D.C.; "Development of Today's Uni­ partment of Administration, Joseph Ross, Director, Com- versity Computing Facilities." 12

Dr. Leland H. Williams, Execu­ public broadcasting in South Colonel Larry Butera, U.S. Air tive Director, Triangle Uni· Carolina. Force, on the Air Force Search versities Computation Center David Leonard, General Mana­ and Rescue Coordi nation ·Cen· (TUCCL on IITUCC As It Is ger, Pennsylvania Public Tele· ter. Today." vision Network, on public tele­ Presentation of the report of the Louis Parker, Executive Direc· vision in Pennsylvania. "Brumback Committee." Recom· tor, North Carolina Educational Paul Marion, General Manager, mendation for new board for Computing Services (NCECS), WTVr, Channel 42, Charlotte, UNC-TVapproved. on "The North Carolina Educa· and Dona Lee Davenport, Ex­ tional Computing Service." ecutive Director of WTVI, Inc., September 15, 1978 Erwin Danziger, Director of Charlotte, on public television Seventh Task Force meeting. Pre­ Administrative Data Processing, in Charlotte. sentations by: University of North Carolina at Donald Luzius, U.S, Coast Honorable Joseph W. Grimsley, Chdpel Hill, on "University Ad· Guard, on ICSAR. Secretary of Administration, ministrative Data Processing Frank Adams, National Associ­ on management of state gov· Using Telecommunications." ation for Search and Rescue, on ernment telecommunications. Dr. Wesley Wallace, et al., on "The Concept of Operations Dr. John McCain, Chairman, the preliminary report of the for the Emergency Response Committee on Communica­ Task Force's Special Advisory Communications Program." tions, North Carolina Medical Committee on Public Radio. Rex McKinnon, ICSAR, on Society, on needs for health Dr. George Bair, Director of capabilities desired in a public programming and alternative Educational Television, Univer· service satellite. means of distribution. sity of North Carolina, on the David Kelley, Assistant Secre­ Frank Gray, Associate General University of North Carolina tary of Crime Control and Pub­ Counsel, North Carolina League Television Network, lic Safety, on public safety of Municipalities; Lee Wallen­ Dr. Ron Hull, Assistant Gen­ communications in North Caro­ haupt, President, Summit Ca­ eral Manager for Programming, lina. ble Company; Brian McMurray, Nebraska Educational Televi· Cliff Blalock, Radio Communi· North Carolina Cable Associa­ sion Network, on the Nebraska cations Engineer, Division of tion; Bruce Owen, Professor of ETV Network. Civil Preparedness, Department Law and Business Administra­ Henry Cauthen, President and of Crime Control and Public tion, Duke University; Sharon General Manager, South Caro­ Safety, on emergency commu­ Briley, Attorney, Federal Com­ lina Television Commission, on nications systems. munications Commission, Wash-

October 16, 1978: Task Force members, staff and advisors, and members of the general public meet in the Governor's Press Conference Room, Department of Administration, Raleigh, to discuss the Task Force's recommendation concerning the University of North Carolina Television Network. 13

ington, D.C.; all on cable tele­ Task Force; Joseph W. Grims­ January 24, 1979 vision/state relationships. ley, Secretary of Administra­ Twelfth Task Force meeting. Ap­ Preliminary recommendations pre­ tion; David Kelly, Assistant proval of final lanaguage of rec­ sented by Task Force members. Secretary of Crime Control and ommendations and proposed stat­ Public Safety; Ben Bemis, Na­ utes for Agency for Public Tele­ October 16, 1978 tional Aeronautics and Space communications (APT) and for Eighth Task Force meeting. Dis­ Administration; and others, all Department of Administration. cussion of public television in participating in a radio-satellite Twenty-one suggestions to the North Carolina and related mat­ demonstration linking Raleigh Task Force are transmitted by ters. Presentation of members' and Washington, D.C. vote of the members to the APT recommendations concerning pub­ Henry Geller, Administrator, Board for consideration. Five lic broadcasting. Naming of the NTIA, on public service satel­ additional proposals are transmit­ "Brumback Subcommittee" to lite utilization; and on federal ted to the new UNC-TV Board study alternative proposals and de­ developments in telecommuni­ of Trustees for consideration. velop comprehensive recommen­ cations. Endorsement in principle of a dation. Privacy and Freedom of Infor­ mation Commission. October 26-27, 1978 November 15, 1978 Ninth Task Force meeting, includ­ Tenth Task Force meeting. Fur­ ther discussion of Task Force ing regional hearings for the South­ February 5, 1979 east Conference on Emergency Re­ members' recommendations. Com­ Receipt of Advisory Committee sponse Communications (ERC); mittee appointed to develop con­ sensus recommendations concern­ on Public Radio final report, in­ sponsorship of the E RC Confer­ cluding engineering study. ence by the Task Force, the De­ ing proposed state agency for pub­ partment of Crime Control and lic telecommunications and revi­ Public Safety, and the Interagency sion of Department of Adminis­ Committee on Search and Rescue tration telecommunications stat­ April 4, 1979 (ICSAR) Working Group. Pre­ utes. Final Task Force meeting fol­ sentations by: lowed by lunch at Governor's Major Raymond J. Hufnagel, Mansion. Approval of final report ICSAR Working Group Chair­ December 16, 1978 of the Task Force, Interconnec­ man, on the Emergency Re­ Eleventh Task Force meeting. Dis­ tions for North Carolina and Beyond. sponse Communications Pro~ cussion of revised plans for pro­ gram. posed state agency for public tel,e­ Henry Geller, Administrator, communications and updating of National Telecommunications Department of Administration April 13, 1979 and Information Administra­ telecommunications statutes. Dis­ Satellite videoconfb'n;iice. Tele­ tion (NTIA); U.S. Representa­ cussion of draft of final report··,· communications experts in Wash­ tive Charles Rose, Task Force from the Advisory Comm.ittee on ington, D.C., linked to General Vice-Chairman; Dr. William Public Radio, as presented by Assembly members in Raleigh in Lucas, Deputy Assistant Di rec­ Radio Committee member Gary demonstration arranged by Task tor for Applications, NTIA; Shivers (for Committee Chairman Force for the Joint Appropria­ Herbert Hyde, Chairman of the Wallace). tion;; Committee. 14

A high point of the Task Force's year of research was the 'visit to Raleigh by National Telecommunications and Information Administration head Henry Geller, Assistant Secretary of the U.s. Department of Commerce. Chairman Herbert Hyde of the Task Force and Mr. Geller confer during the October 1978 radio-satell ite demonstration. CHAPTER II: Public Services and Telecommunications

INTRODUCTION follows: (1) cultural, educational, and information services (Chapter II-A); (2) health and social services (Chapter 11-8); Public services are at the heart of the Task Force Study. (3) public safety services (Chapter II-C); (4) government Governor Hunt's Executive Order establishing the Task operations (Chapter II-D); and (5) services involving public! Force required that facilities be studied in light of the ser­ government interaction (Chapter II-E). Interview.ees and vices they deliver; that costs be studied "jn relation to cur­ agencies were assi gned to one of these five service categories rent services"; that new telecommunications technologies largely on the basis of state government organization. In­ be studied "with special emphasis on cost reduction and evitably, however, many categorizing decisions were arbi­ the improvement of services to the people"; that protec­ trary because an office could be classified more than one tion of rights be considered, including "the right of public way. access to facilities and services"; and that the Task Force In the end, the interviews Were valuable for the ex· seek ways to assure that North Carolinians "receive their change of information as well as for the data they produced. full share of the benefits of modern public telecommunica­ It was not only the Task Force members and staff who tions technology." learned. Often, the person being interviewed found out Accordingly, the Task Force approached its work with about a facility not known about before, one possibly avail­ the view that telecommunications technology is a tool, a able for shared use. Many interviewees began, perhaps for means to an end. The services orientation of the Task Force the first time, to see 'their own telecommunications needs in study is evident in the interviews with over 100 state offi­ relation to the needs of others. All were eager to learn. A cials and others involved in the delivery of public services. most gratifying result of the interviewing process was the Every member of the Task Force participated in the inter­ overwhelming impression that public servants would views to assure that final recommendations would reflect an prefer to share facilities when increased cost-effectiveness understanding of government's role in providing services to or improvement of services results. If action can be taken the people. to follow through on this apparent willingness to cooperate, As discussed in Chapter I, services were categorized as the taxpayers of North Carolina can only benefit.

15 16

Task Force member and University of North Carolina President William C. Friday makes a point at the October 16, 1978, meeting on UNC-TV. CHAPTER II-A: Cultural, Educational, and Information Services

Cultural, educational, and information services are vital Public television has broadcast a number of North state activities. The special emphasis that North Carolina Carolina artistic performances. UNC-TV videotapes and gives to cultural services is reflected in the fact that this was broadcasts parts of the Eastern Music Festival each year, the first state to form a cabinet-level department for cul­ covers small group performances on its North Carollrla­ tural affairs. Educational services are provided for both The Arts series, has aired performances from the North children and adults and represent a massive state commit­ Carolina S~hool of the Arts, and so on. In addition, several ment; in fact, the budget for the Department of Public major prodUctions at the School of the Arts are being Education is larger than that of any other state departments. covered by the South Carolina public TV network. Public Information services are essential to society; an uninformed television also provides a way to connect North Carolina citizenry would be a poorly served citizenry. homes with the national and international cui tural world These three categories of services are interrelated, and through programs acquired from the Public BroadcJsting often involve similar uses of telecommunications. The po­ Service. tential benefit of telecommunications in distributing cul­ Some public radio stations in North Carolina have been tural, educational, and information services is especially active in broadcasting cultural events. WFDD-FM in Wake great in North Carolina, where many citizens live in smaller Forest, for example, airs between four and five hours of communities spread over large distances. School of the Arts performances per week. National cul­ The Task Force completed 20 interviews with 34 pub­ tural programming is also brought to North Carolina by lic officials most specifically involved in these service areas, WFDD and the two other stations that are now members but also considered pertinent information from interviews of National Public Radio. categorized primarily in other service areas as well as infor­ Commercial broadcasters have cooperated in covering mation from presentations made at Task Force meetings. some cultural events, according to Sara Hodgkins, Secretary Officials responsible for cultural, educational, and informa­ of Cultural Resources. For example, both public and com­ tion services make extensive use of telecommunications mercial broadcasters were involved in the live coverage of now, and most foresee even more exciting uses in the future. the North Carolina Symphony performance in Washington) D.C. in April , 1978. USES OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS While broadcasting is the most visible ap'iJ1lcatiohof telecommunications in cui tural services, telephones and Cult!.d'al Services data communication are also used. Telephones are relied upon extensively, for example} in communication between Television and radio broadcasting were most frequently the North Carolina Arts Council and local arts groups mentioned as current means of delivering cultural services around the state. The only IN·WATS 800 number primarily by telecommunications. For example, the Communications for cultural services is in the State Library and is used by Office of the Department of Cultural Resources often uses local library staff to request interlibrary loans or ask radio and TV public service announcements to help advise reference questions. the public of upcoming events. But beyond this informa­ The Southeastern Library Network (SOL/NET) com­ tional use, TV and radio are also used to make cultural puter information system is the main .example of tele­ events themselves available to more citizens. processing (data communication) now being applied to cui·

17 18 tura! services. SOLI NET is a computerized library cata­ These universities use TUCC, through remote data entry, loguing and inventory system. At this time, the State Li­ for a broad range of administrative, instructional, and re­ brary, libraries at UNC campuses, and those at larger pri­ search applications. TUCC computers are also made avail­ vate colleges have on-line terminals for access to the main able to other schools through the North Carol ina Edu­ SOLlNET computer in Ohio. The Charlotte County Library cational Ccmrllting Service (NCECS). Schools linked to will join SOLlNET soon, and other county libraries are ex­ TUCC, either directly or through NCECS, also can gain pected to follow in the future. access to a network linking major academic computing facilities in universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Educational Services The School Computer Service Corporation (SCSC), based in Raleigh, Uses the TUCC computers to provide computer­ As is the case with cultural services, television is the assisted instructional programs to elementary, junior high, most obvious telecommunications application in the de­ and senior high schools. Instructional programs are available livery of educational services. Public TV has taken the lead in a number of curriculum areas including math, English, in providing these services: in his presentation to the Task and spelling. The Department of Public Education has re­ Force, Dr. George Bair, Director of the University of North mote terminals linked to the State Computer Center, on Carolina Television Network, stated that the Network's which sucn records as those for financial management, the primary purpose is to "provide television programming school food program, and teacher certification are main­ which sustains, enriches, and extends the educational op­ tained. portunities of North Carolinians." The main thrust of UNC-TV's educational effort is in the broadcast of in­ Inf('mation Services school instructional programs. These programs are acquired in cooperation with the Department of Public Instruction, A large number of state agencies use radio and TV which works out the daytime broadcast schedule with the public service announcements (PSA's) to pass information Network. During the school vacation period in the summer, to the pUblic. Agencies acquire or arrange for production of the Network is off the air until late afternoon. In a more PSA's and distribute them to commercial and publ ic sta­ general sense, much of the other programming on UNC-TV tions. The stations donate a lim ited amount of ai r time for can also be considered educational, ranging from locally broadcast of PSA's in compliance with FCC regUlations. produced public affairs shows to nationally produced pro­ Radio and TV also inform the public through their grams for both children (e.g., Sesame Street) and adults news programs; many state agencies distribute news releases (e.g., Nova). State educational agencies also arrange for which are used at the discretion of broadcast stations as UNC-TV to produce specific programs. For example, an well as newspapers. Some agencies produce informational in-service training program for teachers was produced for programming in cooperation with broadcasting stations. the Division of Exceptional Children in the Department of F, r example, the Agricultural Extension Service at North Public Instruction, broadcast over UNC-TV, and videotaped Carolina State University is particularly active in audio and for re-use by the Division. video production. The Service has its own video 'mit, pro­ Nonbroadcast video distribution techniques also play ducing videotaped matJriafs for use in training extension an important role in education. Nineteen community col­ agents. The Service also produces and distributes audio leges have closed-circuit TV systems for instructional use. tapes. On the average, the uffice sends publ ic service an­ The North Carolina School for the Deaf also uses a closed­ nouncements and programming to 151 radio stations and circuit system, with captions inserted on-campus. Many receives 90 hours of air time each week. The Extension Ser­ cable TV companies are cooperating with local schools; for vice also cooperates with both commercial television for the example, Central Piedmont Commullity Cr"~!ege has one ca­ proouction and broadcast of PSA's, and with UNC-TV for ble channel available for instructional use. Four community special-topic workshops and the regular series Backyard colleges in the western part of the state take part in the Gardener. Appalachian Education Satellite Project (AESP), coordi­ The Department of Agriculture is also a broadcast nated through the Appalachian Regional Commission. user, producing a daily radio program of market news. These schools have ground satellite receiving stations allow­ However, Commissioner of Agriculture James A. Graham, ing them to use instructional programs originating at the in a Task Force interview, expressed a need for better ac­ University of Kentucky. The AESP focuses on in-service cess to production facilities and assistance in distribution training for professionals, especially teachers. over various systems including broadcast, cable, etc. These Educational uses of data communication are wide­ needs were also expressed in a number of other Task Force spread and becoming more so. The hub of educational com­ interviews. puting activity in North Carolina is the Triangle Universities The primary nonhroadcast use of telecommunications Computation Center (TUCC), a not-for-profit corporation to provide information is, not surprisingly, the telephone. formed by Duke University, the University of North Caro­ Virtually all state offices receive citizen phone requests lina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. for information; several maintain toll-free IN-WATS lines 19 to increase public access. The Department of Human Re­ fornia have shown that PSA's broadcast on donated air sources has CARE-LINE, staffed by information specialists time are largely ineffective. Elizabeth Martin, Public In­ who can either answer questions, solve problems, or put formation Director for the Department of HUman Re­ people in contact with the agency that will. CARE-LINE sources, agrees. Although her office has participated in answered over, 5,500 calls in its first 5 months, and the the production of both TV and radio PSA's, Ms. Martin number of calls is increasing. Agricultural Information has suggested that the state consider a policy of paying (at TELETIP, which allows callers to choose from a large num­ perhaps slightly reduced rates) for all public service adver­ ber of prerecorded audio tapes on agricultural and house­ tising for the most appropriate positioning of the ads. CUr­ hold topics. TELETIP averages 15,000 calls per month. rently state agencies are generally communicating with the Other information services are provided over IN-WArS public during low viewership periods SUch as late night and lines in Wildlife Resources (primarily hunting and fishing early morning. Paid messages could be positioned to reach license information) and the Energy Division (a hotline for b,-oader or more appropriate audiences: assistance in energy conservation, etc.). There are other options for the most effective means of distributing information. Radio costs about one-tenth as PROBLEMS AND PLANS much as teleVision, and studies show it can often be as, or even more, effective in getting the message across. Broad­ Broadcasting, "Narrowcasting," and Target Audiences casting, whether TV or radio, may not be the best means of distributing many of the messages state agencies wish to Just as the broadcast media playa central role in pro­ communicate. The very name "broadcasting" implies a Viding cultural, educational and information services, they broad-based viewersh ip (or, in the case of l:tdio, listener­ are also at the center of the expressed concerns of many ship). Many PSA's from state agencies, however, are not administrators. 'VIany of North Carolina's public officials really intended for a broad audience: health ads may be see great potential in public radio and TV and have high ex­ aimed at mothers-to-be, social agency messages may be di­ pectations about their use. Those expectations have led to rected at children of deceased veterans, and so forth. Ms. effective programming in some cases and frustration in Martin and others interviewed by the Task Force noted the others. State government should not and cannot rely solely need for systematic methods of reaching target audiencesj on public radio and TV for needed production and distribu­ television broadcasting especially offers a "scattershot" ap­ tion for a number of reasons. proach to message dissemination. Radio messages can be Repeatedly in Task Force interviews, officials ex­ targeted for each station's style and Iistening audience. In­ pressed a desire to have more programming on UNC·TV to creasingly in the future "narrowcasting" may be the most meet the objectives of their particular agencies. The Uni­ appropriate way to reach specialized audiences_ "Narrow­ versity Network, however, must make its programming de­ casting" implies delivering signals to target groupSj whether cisions within a complex of competing priorities. The Net­ they are in a specified geographic location or have some work operates under broadcast licenses issued by the Fed­ other shared characteristic, such as an interest in medical eral Communications Commission (FCC) to the Board of education. Narrowcasting may rely on a number of al terna­ Governors of the University of North Carolina. By law, all tives to traditional broadcasting, such as cable TV, satellite licensees must operate "in the publ ic interest, convenience, transmission, and closed circuit TV~ A related conCern ex­ and necessity." The Network is responsible for serving both pressed by various officials was the need for computerized the general public and, through instructional TV, the mailing lists allowing agencies to effectively communicate schools. State support of the Network, through the UNC with targeted populations. In the distant future, electronic Board of Governors, does not modify those obi igations nor networks may eliminate much paper mail and allow mes­ permit UNC-TV to elevate to higher priority the communi­ sages to be delivered nearly instantaneously to specified cation needs of state agencies, however worthy. Both pro­ homes. duction facilities and air time on UNC-TV are limited re­ sources. State agency requests must compete with each other and with the more basic objective of the Network to Public Television provide the alternative educational, informational, and cul­ tural programming for which national public broadcasting The two public television licensees in North Carolina was established. Similar considerations apply to public are the University's Board of Governors and the Charlotte­ radio stations, each of which holds an FCC license. Mecklenburg Board of Education. The Task Force heard Availability of prodUction assistance or air time is not presentations from both the UNC-TV Network and the the only limiting factor. Relying exclusively, or even chief­ Charlotte-Mecklenburg station, WTVI) Channel 42. In ad­ ly, on broadcasting (whether public or commercial) to com­ dition, the Task Force memberships of Dr. William Friday, municate information from state agencies to the public may President of UNC, and Carrie Winter, of the Charlotte­ not be effective. Field experiments at the' Annenberg School Mecklenburg Board of Education, provided continuous of Communications at the University of Southern Cali- representation of each licensee. To achieve a wider per- 20 spcctive/ the Task Force also heard presentations on publ ic directly through their schools. TV in Nebraska, South Carolina} and Pennsylvania. The Task Force brought public radio broadcasters from It was quickly apparent to the Task Force that the around the state together for the first time in June, 1978, dollar commitment to public television in North Carolina for a Conference on Public/Educational Radio. One of the has been small relative to that of other states. While North panelists at that Conference was Task Force member and Carolina stat!} funds comprise $2.97 million of the total state Representative Will iam McMillan, who announced dur­ annual UNC-TV budget, Nebraska provides $4 million of ing the meeting that he had just introduced a bill to fund the total in funding for its educational television; Pennsyl­ consideration of public radio networking. In the discussion vania provides $6.5 million; and South Carolina provides that followed, public radio professionals emphasized that $8.7 million. These amounts become doubly significant FCC licensing is based on local service and that networking when it is remembered that federal funds are available on should be considered only as an interconnection of inde­ a matching basis. Moreover, of UNC-TV's total $3.7 million pendently operated local stations, which should continue budget, most funds must go for operations, engineering, to produce and broadcast programs for their respective lo­ and for the purchase of national programs, so that relatively cal "communities of interest." Representative McMillan ex­ little is left for local North Carolina productions. It was plained that his interest was in seeing that all North Caro­ further recognized that there is a danger that the impor­ linic:.ns have access to the benefits of public radio, including tance of public teleVision may tend to be overlooked when National Public Radio (NPR) programs now available only its operating budget IS one small part of the overall budget in the areas where the three current NPR-member stations of a major university system. UNC-TV's management a.re located. stated to the Task Force that the Network has aspirations Following the June meeting, a Radio Advisory Com­ beyond its current means, and emphasized the need for im­ mittee, chaired by UNC-CH Professor Wesley Wallace, was proved production capacity. The Task. Force concluded appointed. The Committee had the joint duties of (1) ad­ that increased attention to the funding needs of UNC-TV vising the Task Force about public radio; and (2) preparing is necessary and that means should be found to increase the a report for the Un iversity to present to the General Assem­ visibility of the Network within the University system. bly, under the terms of the McMillan-sponsored $125,000 The Charlotte-Mecklenburg station, WTVI, has a com­ appropriation to the Board of Governors to study and plan munity service area which is nearly the same as that of for public radio in North Carolina. The Task Force heard WUNG, Channel 58 of the UNC-TV Network. These neigh· from Professor Wallace and others associated with the Ra­ boring transmitters currently broadcast many of the same dio Advisory Committee on a number of occasions and re­ Public Broadcasting Service programs to the same general ceived its final report in February, 1979. audience, although daytime in-school programs are often The report of the Radio Committee included an en­ different. The two stations have complementary strengths gineering study recommending an orderly process for add­ and needs in their facilities: WTVI needs a new transmitter ing and upgrading stations so that public radio may begin to but has a production studio; WUNG's transmitter is about reach across the state. The Committee strongly advised that to be upgraded, but the station does not have a local pro­ new development shodd build on existing stations, where duction studio. Since both WTVI and WUNG are publiclv possible. The report suggested a means of interconnecting supported, local taxpayers could benefit from cooperation stations so that they might share programming at times, and between, or even eventual Inerging of, the two stations. it proposed a mechanism for distr:bllting state-appropriated Such cooperation might also result in improved local pro­ funds to the stations. (A summary of the Radio Advisory gramming services and demonstrate the potential of local Committee report is included as Appendix H.) production for other Network stations across the state. The Task Force concluded that the state should sup­ port the development of public radio across the state. The Task Force also resolved that state contributions to the funding of public radio are proper and needed, and that the Public Radio manner of that support should be studied further. The pre­ cise mechanisms for support require careful consideration of a variety of factors, including the character of the local There is no statewide public radio network in North community to be served. One policy consideration is Carolina. Existing stations are variously licensed to public whether stations in rural communities, with fewer local re­ and private eductitional institutions, and to private non­ sources, should receive more state assistance than stations profit community boards. These range from the three large in big cities. The Radio Advisory Committee proposed a full-service statio'ns to small stations on college campuses fixed amount to be appropriated to each eligible station, oriented toward student entertainment and services. There whatever the size of its community. The Task Force chose is no direct state support of public radio, although the to recommend the means for continuing consideration and approximately 14 stations on campuses of the University final resolution of problems like this, but did not recom­ or community college system receive sor,le state support in- mend what the solutions should be. 21

Toll-Free Information Lines Conclusions

Several agencies indicated during interviews that they North Carolina has a major commitment to provide all would like to have IN-WATS lines to improve public access citizens access to cultural, educational, and information ser­ to information. Some lines now in use are approaching vices. The role of telecommunications in meeting this com­ maximum volume and additional lines may be needed in mitment is significant now and potentially even more the future. Typically, however, the limitation on expansion exciting. Currently, the emphasis is on the use of broadcast is the lack of funds for additional personnel. A policy issue media. Radio and TV are clearly powerful and effective for which will require continuing study is the extent to which many purposes. But now, with expansions of technology, information and referral functions should be centralized. It broadc;ast media are being joined by new telecommunica­ would be possible to establish a single IN-WATS number to tions techniques which will allow increased cultural, educa­ give information on all state activities. The effectiveness tional and information services to reach more citizens in and efficiency of such centralization would have to be every part of North Carolina. evaluated. 22

Telecommunications Applications: TEACHING WITH TELEVISION

The opening sequence is typical of an accredited science teacher and an cational television specialists: not those slickly packaged local news pro­ experienced television technician (in many people fully understand the ac­ ductions that TV stations fight ratings fact, he works part-time at a Raleigh tual problems faced in setting up a wars over: the titles flicker on the commercial TV station). school closed circuit ~ystem for lTV. screen over a loud, nervous accom­ With the enthusiastic support of The 1978 General Assembly appropri­ paniment of electronic rock and flash­ Principal Don Lee, Stroud and his stu­ ated $5.8 million to the UNC Board of ing pictorials. If the medium is the dent staff have managed to put to­ Governors to extend the UNC-TV sig­ message, this bright, pulsating intro­ gether an outstanding facility. Some nal throughout the state. Under the duction seems to tell us we'Ve tuned basic equipment had been purchased provisions of the bill, virtually every­ into a nerve center of fast-paced, four years ago through local school one in North Carolina shOUld be able action-packed news. funds. Additional equipment was to receiye a strong, clear educational But on this show the lead story donated by a parent who owns a re­ television signal within a few years. To is likely to be a discourse on today's tail TV store. But most of the program many, this sounds as though it should lunch of chili do~s, or a briefing on has been funded through the support solve all of the problems schools face Mrs. Wililace)s Home Ec field trip. of the entire faculty at East Cary. In with lTV utilization. This is, live from East Cary Junior 1977-78, for example, the faculty Not so, Mrs. Elsie Brumback, Di­ High in sub urban Wake Coun ty, the agreed to cut their budget for supple­ rector of the Department of Public In­ Imp-Action News, and it's produced mentary aids by $4,000 in order to struction's Division of Educational every weekday at 8:02 a.m. by 50 finance the TV system. Media, told the Task Forr:~ last June. energetic kids and one dedicated Stroud says that faculty support Making the signal available is a neces­ teacher. is abso~utely essential in establishing a sary step, of course, but that is only Imp-Action News gets East Cary successful lTV system in a school. Per­ one of a number of obstacles that Junior High's educational program haps even more crucial, although he must be overcome in providing lTV rolling each morning, but the show, would be too modest to admit it, is an services, she said. Currently, only 28% carried to each classroom on campus energetic and highly trained leader like of the state's teachers use lTV. Some through an elaborate homemade cable Stroud. The two coaxial cable systems obstacles to increased use: system, is but a small portion of the linking classrooms and the production/ -School buildings and individual school's overall video activities. In control rooms, for example, were laid classrooms must be wired for fact, East Cary's instructional televi­ during the summer on Stroud's spare­ television. Ideally, a wiring system sion (lTV) program is so well devel­ and unpaid-time. Stroud was also re­ will allow teachers to use lTV in oped that it could be a model for sponsible for the production studio, their own classrooms, rather t~,'an every public school in North Carolina. control room, and most of the other having to share a TV set in the Consider, for starters, East Cary's engineering. Most other North Caro­ media center, gym, or cafeteria. television facilities, which include: lina school systems are not fortunate -Schools need add itional tel evi­ -a fully equipped color produc­ enough to have a professional televi­ sion sets {monitors}. A common tion studio; sion technician on their faculties. reason for under-utilization of -three portable cameras with re­ Lacking such an expert in each lTV is that many teachers must mote productions; school, what can education and tele­ share one or two sets. -a control room with connections communications planners in North -Schools need videotaping fa­ to TV outlets in every room on Carolina do to help all schools use lTV cilities so that teachers and pupils campusi better? Stroud emphasizes the need to can use lTV when the program -two cable systems, one for dis­ set up demonstration centers-schools fits their learning needs. With tribution of videotaped lTV pro­ {like East Cary Jr. High} with the videotape, programs may be stored grams, and the other for produc­ proper facilities in place so that others indefinitely on campus and re­ tion capability anywhere on cam­ can plan their systems similarly. He played to overcome scheduling pUSi suggests the state could help local conflicts and meet individual learn­ -a library of 800 videotaped lTV schools by buying equipment in bulk ing styles. The scheduling prob­ programs. at discounts. He also notes that there lem, Mrs. Brumback commented, Equally impressive are the human is a need for negotiations with televi­ is the single most important resources behind lTV at East Cary. In sion production companies for copyo reason why more teachers do not addition to the staff of 50 students right releases on lTV programming use lTV more fully. who produce, direct, write, announce, aired over systems like UNC-TV's. Not until all three needs are met, and operate all of the technical equip­ In calling for model demonstra­ Mrs. Brumback said, will school lTV ment, East Cary is fortunate to have tion schools, Stroud has pinpointed a usage meet its potential for broaden­ on its staff Mi ke Stroud, who is both problem plaguing North Carolina edu- ing the educational horizons of North 23

Carolina students. Thus, the General Assembly's appropriation for signal reach is but a first step-and DPl,s re­ quests for additional personnel and fa­ cilities to accomplish, the in-school wiring tasks have gone unmet for three successive years. Schools like East Cary Junior High' are atypical, then, not only in having highly trained, capable media leader­ ship, a supportive faculty and adminis­ tration, and dedicated, enthusiastic students, but also in having solved all three of the problems associated with facilities. Consider Trinity High School as a more typical North Carolina public school seeking to implement lTV. Marinelle Weaver is the Media Specialist at Trinity, near High Point in Ran­ dolph County. Although the school re­ ceives a strong signal from UNC-TV, has an outside antenna and two televi­ sion sets, and has an lTV-conscious faculty, Mrs. Weaver laments that not much has been done with the UNC-TV signal in the classrooms. Why? "The programs don't come on at the right time," Mrs. Weaver says. "There are several teachers here who are very in­ terested in using a number of UNC-TV programs, but it's almost impossible to plan a classroom instructional program around an lTV program broadcast schedule. It just has to work the other way." Using about $3,000 of federal funds, the school has now taken steps to remedy the situation. A video tape lTV advocate and dedicated teacher Mike Stroud is flanked by a few of the recorder and an additional. monitor, necessities of any successful in-school television system: a central monitoring and have been ordered so that off-the-air closed-circuit distribution system (foreground) and a library of videotaped instruc­ taping can provide teachers with a li­ tional materials which teachers can use at their convenience (background). brary of materi;tls to be used at a time appropriate to their students' learning needs. The solution is not an ideal one: the school, which will now be equipped with a total of three televi­ Carolina to have a successful lTV pro­ step would be for an enhancement of sion sets, will sti11 not be internally gram in all schools, Mrs. Brumback the Department of Public Instruction's wired to allow any teacher ~n any says, it will be necessary for technical school television consultation services. classroom to tap into the system leadership to be exerted on the state With additional personnel and equip­ whenever he or she chooses. level-the decisk>ns about implementa­ ment, DPI should be able to help Not every school system is going tion are genE'{ally too complex to be schools like Trinity High School and to be able to find a professional tele­ left entirely to local staffs. Now that others seeking to broaden their stu­ vision technician to set up an in-house the UNC-TV signal will be available dents' horizons through educational system, as East Cary has. For North throughout th; state, the next logical television. 24

Members Jim Goodmon and Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. A. Craig Phillips participate in Task Force discussions. CHAPTER 11-8: Health and Social Services

Members of the Task Force investigated the ways tele­ bor Commissioner Charles J effr~ss cited a need for a 24- communications technologies can and do deliver health hour accident reporting line rather than the current 9 to 5 and social services. The Task Force heard presentations on weekday operation. the potential of telecommunications for health education Teletype use in health/social services is primarily ap­ and preventive medicine (Dr. John McCain! N.C. Medical pi ied to providing information and educational services to Society); on trends in telemedicine (Dr. Maxine Rockoff the hearing-impaired. TTY (telephone-teletype) technology of the U.s. Department of Health, Education, and Wel­ is available for a variety of telecommunications services to fare); and on state government information services in North Carolina's deaf population. For example, CARE­ the health-social services areas (Mr. Pete Grimes of the N.C. LINt includes a TTY featu(e for the hearing-impaired. Department of Human Resources). (See Chronology, Radio services are primarily informational in nature. Chapter I.) Task Force members interviewed the Secretary Public service programs are currently developed by the De­ of Human Resources and varioLis assistant secretaries, nu­ partment of Human Resources through a variety of in­ merous d}vision and section chiefs, and telecommunica­ formal arrangements. Tape recorders are available in the Pe­ tions personnel in the depdlLment, as well as regional and partment of HUman Resources' Public Information Office local health center personnel, both public and private. ·for spot interviewing, but most production work is done by Twenty-one interviews were conducted with people in the arrangement with local broadcast stations. Production ef­ health and social services commun ities. forts here as in other service categories are therefore frag­ mented. Distribution of programs is through traditional broadcast channels. Radio reading services for the biind, despite high interest from agencies and others serving the USES OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS blind and print·handicapped, "are at a standstill in North Carolina," in the words of Dr. Nat Fullwood, a policy ad­ A major telecommunications investment for health and visor to the Governor. There is a small effort underway cur­ social services is in teleprocessing (remote automatic data rently in Charlotte, but funding from the state may be processing). The Department of Human Resources (DHR) necessary to institute reading services and other subsidiary uses teleprocessing for efficient storage and retrieval of the communications authorization (SCA) services through volumes of information necessary in the administration of radio. social services) such as public assistance. Teleprocessing is Video informational services are produced in the same also helping to provide health serviceS', both through better way radio services are produced: departments contract for management of medical and hospital records, and in giving services with local stations or with independent producers. medical center staffs ready access to computer libraries of Officials expressed interest in gaining access to a greater diagnostic and treatment information. variety of television distribution opportunities, including Telephone system); are used not only for noi'mal com­ cable, public televiskm, commercial broadcast television, mun,ications between and within agencies, but also as a and closed-circuit. Current state capabilities for production means of sharing information about services with the public do not begin to meet the multi-channel service needs ex­ through CARE-LINE, DHR's toll-free referral service. Wide­ pressed by interviewees. Production resources of local Area spread interest exists in extending IN-WATS services in the Health Education Centers, on the other hand, are possibly health and social services area. For example, Assistant La- underused.

25 26

PROBLEMS AND PLANS Administration favored providing county agencies with on­ line access to data bases in Raleigh, especially for the Divi­ Health/social service personnel interviewed by the Task sion of Social Services and of Medical Assistance. Little Force emphasized four issues: (1) equal access to telecom­ overall disagreement exists with the concept of a statewide munications services; (2) organization of data facilities for teleprocessing network, which would, in the view of vir­ sound managerial decision-making; (3) the need for health tually every interviewee, be a tremendous asset to the state care "software" or programming; and (4) the need for bet­ in delivering services both more efficiently and effectively. ter meanS of distributing information to the public. Maintenance costs and inadequately trained personnel, however, were viewed as obstacles to developing such net­ Equal Access works. The failure of an earlier system (which was begun and eventually dismantled during the previous administra­ The issue of equal access to telecommunications ser­ tion) was ascribed by Director of the Division of Social Ser­ vices arises not only because telecommunications technolo­ vices Robert Ward to a lack of adequate planning, particu­ gies promise increased access to information and health/so­ larly planning for personnel to develop software. A new cial services for some groups (the blind and print-handi­ teleprocessing connnection between the Division and coun­ capped, for example) but also because such technologies ty agencies is being planned, he said, but "one step at a may create inequality of access for other groups (e.g., the time." poor or residents of rural areas) unless there is planning to Dr. Minta Saunders, Assistant Secretary for Children at provide equal access to these services. The positive Con­ the Department of Human Resources, was one of the re­ tribution which telecommunications technology can make spondents who favored a "system to manage all ... infor­ to the handicapped were repeatedly brought to the atten­ mation ... (which) is now accumulated in discrete com­ tion of Task Force members. Rance Henderson, head of the partments." Dr. Saunders currently examines information Schools for the Deaf, pointed out that school-produced from at least seven separate data bases. Coordination of captioned educational television programs could be shared these data bases could provide managers with better infor­ with deaf people in surrounding communities. Distribution mation for responsible decisions. Other respondents ex­ of captioned programs through local cable companies has pressed concern about the possibilities of abuse of the right been stymied, however, by an upper-level state government to privacy in such a centralized system. Secretary of Ad­ policy decision prohibiting such sharing of programs. The ministration Joseph W. Grimsley has urged that a distinc­ reasoning was that new subscribers to private cable com­ tion be made between specific-case data and summary panies would be attracted by these programs. It was con­ statistical data; the latter, he said, would provide managers sidered inappropriate, and perhaps unethical, for state­ with coordinated data for decision-making while ensuring funded programming to benefit a private company. The privacy for individuals. There is a need for a means to de­ impact of this decision is especially great because the very termine whether data bases already in existence could satis­ presence of a school for the deaf attracts a disproportionate fy information requirements, before new, expensive, and number of hearing-impaired residents to the locality. There time-consuming data collection and entry is undertaken. On is an apparent need for policies that encourage full use of the other hand, Social Services Division Director Ward cited all telecommunications distribution systems, public and pri­ a report he had prepared for the Department of Human Re­ vate, for the public welfare. sources stating that, in other states, centralized data bases Providing health services to remote areas is another had not improved delivery of services: equal-access issue about which the Task Force heard diver­ Central patient tracking and other medical data sys­ gent views. Dr. Maxine Rockoff's May 19, 1978, presenta­ tems were favored by respondents from the Department of tion to the Task Force examined the exciting opportunities Human Resources, including officials in Plans and Opera­ for rural health care through '~telehealth." A more detailed tions, Health Services) and Mental Health, although reserva­ discussion oftelehealth services follows this chapter. tions were expressed about privacy issues. Physicians like Dr. Robert Sullivan of Duke University Medical Center en­ Organization of Data Facilities vision, in the more distant future, interactive teleprocessing networks which can provide patient records, continuing A number of problems arise in the planning of tele­ medical education, data on illnesses, and pharmacists' processing for health and social services. Remote data con­ authorizations for prescriptions. nections between Raleigh and field offices could provide many benefits, including reduction of time-consuming pa­ Production and Distribution Services perwork and travel, of work duplicated in central and at local offices, and of huge mailing costs, particulariy in pub­ A distinction must be made between the next two con­ lic assistance and Medicaid programs. cerns expressed by the respondents: the need for the means Respondents from the Medical Assistance program, the to create informational programs and the needs for the Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse) and the Department of means to distribute this material. Dr. John McCain told the 27

Task Force that the North Carolina Medical Society is sidiary communications authorization radio channels working toward the goal that public health education may, (SeA's), satellites, telephones, and data networks. Secretary "through various forms of public telecommunications ..• Grimsley ·of the Department of Administration noted the prevent disease and promote health (and) slow ... the ris­ need for improving service to the public through programs ing cost of health care." Public health programming would for children, parents, and teachers, and proposed increased be aimed at educating the public "to make prevention a video services for the approximately 5,700 day care centers way of life for our citizens." Needs for programming were and homes in the state. also expressed by public information officers. Most gov­ ernment agencies have no continuing arrangements for the Conclusions preparation of informational programs in the health/social services field; public information officers occasionally enlist The areas of concern cited by interviewees pose a chal­ the help of commercial stations or UNC-TV facilities, but lenge to North Carolina as well as an opportunity for such help is informal and sporadic. Another programming exciting, imaginative solutions. Telecommunications appli­ need is for the handicapped: radio reading services, cap­ cations can hel p provide equal access to social and heal th tionin"g of video programs, and computer-assisted instruc­ services. Better organization of teleprocessing facilities and tion, etc. data banks should contain spiraling costs and improve ser­ The multiplicity of service program needs will require vice delivery. Rising medical costs may also be contained use of a mix of distribution systems. Single-channel broad­ through better home health care, which can be promoted casting, whether radio or television, cannot alone distribute through improved informational programming. Telecommu­ all communicated services. Alternative methods fer dis­ nications can provide a wide variety of means to distribute tribution of information to the public must be found. Dr. such materials. New opportunities to deliver health and so­ John McCain cited "radio and TV and cable and closed­ cial services through telecommunications merit continued circuit channels" as possible means for distributing preven­ attention and study. tive medical information. To that list might be added sub- 28 Telecommunications Applications: NORTH CAROLINA LOOKS AT TELEHEALTH OPPORTUNITIES

A medical student in Alaska Telehealth X-rays, EKG's, or a patient's studies a slide of diseased tissue for her wound) over normal telephone pathology class. The second area of activity is lines at a rate of one every 90 A heart specialist in a major urban usually referred to as telehealth, and seconds. medical center listens to a heart mur­ consists of actual provision of medical 3. Broadband technology consists mur, studies an X-ray, and advises a care over long distances through tele­ of transmission of live (moving) colleague on how to treat a patient communications. Most frequently, television images. In order for mo­ with an atrial defect. some form of video transmission­ tion to be portrayed, a wider fre­ A Saxapahaw, N.C., pacemaker usually of still pictures-is made over quency bandwidth is necessary user consults with her doctor and a normal telephone, with voice sig­ than in the telephone or augment­ learns that her mild heart problem is nals, monitoring of EKG and similar ed telephone (narrowband) sYS­ being caused by medication, not the signals, and facsimile transmission also tems. As might be expe:::ted, electronic device implanted in her possible. "Most of the activity in this broadband uses of telemedicine chest. She is relieved to learn surgery country is, of course, in rural areas," are extremely expensive and rela­ will not be necessary. Dr. Rappaport comments, "and is tively uncommon. Routine medical occurrences all, sponsored by the Health Underserved except that the Alaskan student is Rural Areas Program of the Bureau of Advantages and Disadvantages studying a slide telecommunicated via Community Health Services in HEW." satellite from Seattle; the heart special­ Through telecommunications, health The key, Dr. Rockoff told the ist uses only an electronically en­ care providers and patients can consult Ta\sk Force, is participation. All of hanced telephone capable of delivering with specialists in major medical cen­ thl~ above systems, narrow-or broad­ a picture to study the X-ray, listen to ters many miles away. band, are interactive. The Seattle­ the heart murmur, and talk to his rural Members of the North Carolina AI,a,ska satellite connection, for exam­ colleague many miles awaYi and the Task Force on Public Telecommunica­ ple, is not simply an extended broad­ Saxapahaw pacemaker user is ex­ tions were briefed on telehealth in cast of educational material, but an amined by and receives her diagnosis May, 1978, when Dr. Maxine Rockoff, opportunity for classroom-style ex­ from the Memorial Hospital doctor in formerly a teJemedicine planner with change between student and teacher Chapel Hill over her telephone, with­ the Department of Health! Education, -over a very long distance. Interactive out leaving home. and Welfare, spoke on the state of tele­ telehealth systems may have numerous Telehealth (or telemedicine) is the communicated health services. (See beneficial effects, Dr. Rockoff said. umbrella term which encompasses Chronology, Chapter /.) Doctors who had previously been un­ these and many other activities lin king Dr. Rockoff defined three levels willing to practice in rural commu­ doctors, nurses, other health profes­ of telemedicine technoklgy: nities because of a lack of specialists,

sionalsl patients, and health care facili­ 1. Technologies using telephones other health professionals, and back­ ties which are geographically remote transmit voice signals only and up facilities, would no longer have to from one another. Dr. Wanda Rappa­ may include features such as call­ practice in isolation. Small rural com­ port, in charge of telehealth systems forwarding (so that calls to an munities which could not hope to at­ development for the MITRE Corpora­ unattended phone may be auto­ tract a physician could enjoy the ser­ tion of McLean, Virginia, says that matically transferred to that of vices of a "physician extender" elec­ there are two kinds of telecommuni­ another health professionalL tronically linked to a major hospital cations-based health care services. The speakerphone (for audio telecon­ for consultation. Telehealth would first harnesses computer teChnology ferencing), and answering services. make an overall contribution toward for better health care, providing doc­ 2. Augmented telephone technol­ health cost control in this view be­ tors not only with automated billing ogies enhance the basic voice cause such systems would tend to and accounting services, but also With transmission capabilities with vari­ allow doctors to delegate mOre and "an organized statistical medical rec­ ous types of additional signals. more routine tasks to extenders and ord for each patient. This can give pro­ Telemetry systems, for example, other less costly personnel. viders a well-organized report on each use the telephone system to trans­ "The most obvious rewards of an patient, and allows researchers to an­ mit EKG, EEG, or other electron­ operating telehealth system." Dr. alyze over a long period of time how ic signals to doctors. Slow scan Rappaport has written in Commitment health care is delivered," Dr. Rappa­ video systems transmit still tele­ magazine, "are those that improve port adds. vision pictures (of, for example, patient care directly and immediately." 29

"Ticker" tape: Technician Nancy Munn checks the condition of a patient's heart via long-distance telephone in the Pace­ maker Clinic at Chapel Hill's North Carolina Memorial Hospi,t'll.

Dr. Rockoff's presentation to the Task What about disadvantages? Tele­ or cable television facilities. And a Force focused on several examples of health is still in its infancy, Dr. Rock­ number of physicians are working on this kind of benefit: rural health cen­ off told the Task Force, and various automated data bases for patients' ter hookups to urban hospitals; inner­ problems still need to be worked out. records, while the Duke University city clinics connected to major medi­ One is cost: broadband systems are Medical Center has a nationally recog­ cal centersj and smaller hospitals very expensive. But eVen narrowband nized cancer diagnosis program based linked to teaching hospitals. Reduc­ systems, Dr. Rockoff said, are slow to on computer analyses. tion in patient travel time, improved win acceptance from doctors. Why? In general, however, North Caro­ capabilities at dispersed sites to Most of the benefits go to the patients, lina's approach to rural health care care for more complex cases} and in­ while health care providers must pay has not made extensive use of tele­ creased attrilctiveness of rural areas for the facilities. Thus, there is no rush medicine technology, according to Jim to doctors and other health profes­ by doctors to investigate opportunities Bernstein, Chief uf the Rural Health sionals are advantages with direct in telemedicine. Section of the Department of Human impact on patient health care, Dr. Resources. Except in a few mountain­ Rockoff said. North Carolina Applications ous areas, Mr. Bernstein noted, dis­ And, as the Alaska-Seattle satel­ tances to hospitals are generally not lite connection vividlY demonstrates, The Task Force discovered rela­ prohibitively great in North Carolina, there are important applications of tively few applications of telemedicine even though this is a rural state. The telehealth for medical education as in North Carolina. The Memorial Hos­ Rural Health Services Office, how­ well. Through telecommunications, pital pacemaker project uses telemetry. ever, is being served by computer tech­ medical students and professionals The Appalachian Education Satellite nology which gives providers, mana­ can "observe lectures and conference Project beamed a workshop on nursing gers, and policy makers comprehen­ remotely ..• , participate in grand practices and patient education to par­ sive medical and billing data. The role rounds, or take a variety of medical ticipate via satellite. A number of hOli­ of on-site minicomputers is also grow­ education courses," Dr. Rappaport pitals are working on projects for ing. But in general North Carolina is writes. medical education using closed-circuit letting other areas ",experiment with 30

new, high-cost technologies in pri­ the effectiveness of telehealth systems, priced facilities may wish to develop mary care until they are shown to be North Carolina may enter into EKG links with major medical centers. justifiable in terms of reliability, cost­ and X-ray transmission. Health care planners like Dr. Rappa­ effectiVeness, and the willingness of Despite the obstacles and the port will continue to look for ways to m~dical personnel to actually use the serious, well-informed concerns ex­ make telemedicine attractive to physi­ equipment. The next priority in health­ pressed by health professionals like cians and other professionals. And oriented telecommunications planning Mr. Bernstein, telehealth is likely to paf.,ients will continue to reap benefits in North Carolina, Mr. Bernstein said, grow in North Carolina as a supple­ from the favorable cost structure. As is in the development of automated ment to-not a replacement for-in­ at least one grateful Saxapahaw pace­ record systems allowing instantaneous person medical attention. As medical maker-wearer can attest, a simple long­ retrieval of patient records at various technology accelerates its development distance telephone call to Chapel Hill points, both rural and urban. Later, and becomes even more expensive, is certainly cheaper than surgery. as~uming that testing elsewhere proves rural hospitals unable to afford high- CHAPTER II-C: Public Safety Services

The Task Force conducted 16 interviews with state enforcement officials, and telephone company representa­ agencies that use telecommunications to provide public tives continue to consider the merits and problems associ­ safety services. The Task Force also sponsored a two-day ated WIth implementation of the universal emergency tele­ regional Conference on Emergency Response Communi­ phone number 911, which is further discussed in an article cations. Attendees from the southeastern states, federal accompanying this chapter. At present, six 911 systems are government, and various communications groups discussed in place in North Carolina in DU~'ham, Orange, and Lincoln emergency communications problems and opportunities counties; and in the cities of Winston-Salem, Fairmont, (such as shared satellite use). In an era of rising citizen and Newland. concern about crime and the possibility of natural disas­ The state operates two teletype systems for public ter and other emergencies, telecommunications can playa safety purposes. The Division of Civil Preparedness of the vital role in the provisiC'n of public safety services. In no Department of Crime Control and Public Safety uses tele­ other service category was a concern for coordination of type at each of its six district offices for administrative the various systems more pronounced: while in other records communications. This system consists of teletype public service fields uncoordinated systems may cost devices that are interconnected through telephone lines. dollars, in the public safety field lack of coordination The Department of Natural Resources and Community De­ may cost lives. vel opment's Forest Resources Division operates a 23- terminal teletype system linking each district office for USES OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS administrative and fire control messages. Forestry's teletype system operates over leased circuits and is also used for rec­ Twenty-four telecommunications systems were cate­ ords communications. Each of these teletype systems is gorized by the Task Force as providing public safety ser­ closely associated with two-way radio systems operating in vices, ranging from relatively simple paging systems to the respective divisions. complex statewide data and voice communication sys­ At a plant value of over $1.5 million, and an annual

tems. operating cost of $1681100,the Highway Patrol microwave Telephones are the basis of the state's public safety system is one of North Carolina's biggest investments in telecommunications complex. While few telephone systems telecommunications. The microwave system is used to dis" are devoted exclusively to these purposes, the telephone is tribute two-way radio and telephone communications; widely regarded by public safety experts as the cornerstone some of its towers are shared by UNC-TV for distribution of an effective emergency communications network. In of public television signals. Of the 360 channeis it is li­ addition to norma! use of the state government Dial Access censed to operate, the microwave system uses an average of Intercity Network (DAIN) by law enforcement officials, 24 channels on any given "leg" of the network. One such the Highway Patrol maintains a dedicated telephone com­ leg is a planned expansion of five new sites (two terminals munications channel for administrative control over its and three repeaters) from Raleigh south to Bladen County; microwave system as well as a toll-free leased IN-WATS this addition to the network should be operating by April, number for citizens to report emergencies. Telephones, 1979. Because of substantia! unused capacity, it IS possible however, have been the object of a great deal of study and that the microwave system could be further utIlized. Such debate in North Carolina as citizens, policy makers, law lise would be dependent, however, on the capability and

31 32 cost for local telephone companies to extend their lines vides communications between local law enforcement agen­ to meet the microwave system. Further study ofthis possi­ cies, the FBI, Highway Patrol, Wildlife Resources, Division bHity is needed. of Motor Vehicles (License and Theft), Division of Marine Two-way radfu and other paging and voice communica­ Fisheries, and three district attorneys' offices. PI N gives all tions systems arc an important resource in support of pub­ participi;' ~ng agencies the opportunity to communicate lic safety services. Thus, it is not surprising that the 13 sys­ with each other about administrative matters, stolen prop­ tems in this category form the largest part of telecommuni­ erty and securities, wanted pe,'sons, and driver and vehicle cations facilities used for public safety. Two of the largest registration informarion. Recently, computerized criminal systems have arread~' been mentioned: the Civil Prepared­ histories and boat registrations have been added to the data ness high-frequency and FM one-way voice sy~~m and the base. The PIN system is totally interactive: that is, terminals Forest Resources two-way FM radio system, each associat­ can "tal k" not· only to the main computer but to each ed with its respective tel~type network. The Division of other. Users have the capability both of entering informa­ Marine Fisheries operates an owned network of one base tion and of making inquiries. In addition to the 286 video station, three repeaters, and 118 mobile units for enforce­ terminals in place, radio links to police cars allow officers ment purposes. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of to receive information when in the field. Eventually, ac­ the Department of Transportation operates another major cording to PIN Director William Corley, mobile video state-owned two-way radio network. This statewide system terminals may be placed in police cars. includes 150 mobile units and 13 receivers at fixed loca­ tions. DMV's radio system allows publ ic safety personnel PROBLEMS AND PLANS aOoess to license and theft information. Transportation's Highway DiVision operates yet another owned system, The Task Force investigated three particularly impor­ consisting of a base station, four repeaters, and 830 mo­ tant issues facing telecommunications planners in the public bile units. The system is used for safety information per­ safety services category. One such issue, that of 911 imple­ taining to clearing roads in bad weather, etc. The State mentation, is treated separately at the end of this chapter. Bureau of Investigation, Civil Air Patrol, and National Guard operate the other large two-way radio systems for Frequency Coordination public safety services. Additionally, there are numerous security and paging systems, ranging from the very large A second issue, one which faces not only North Caro­ (e.g., N.C. Memorial Hospital's security/paging system lina bllJ all other states, is that of coordination of radio costing $46,000 annually) to the very small {e.g., campus systems frequencies. The frequ~ncy spectrum can best be systems costing as little as $1,100 per year}. viewed as a precious commodity; sufficient frequencies are Five teleprocessing systems were categorized by the not available for all desirable uses, and a means of managing Task Force as supporting public safety services: those in this scarce natural resource is necessary. All radio fnquen­ the Departments of Correction and Justice , the Wildl ife cies are scarce, but AM and FM radio broadcast frequencie~ Resources Commission, the Administrative Office of the are not of direct concern to public safety service planners. Courts, and the Police Information Network (PIN), which The radio frequencies which most concern state planners is administered by the Department of Justice. Correction's fall into six categories: system handles all of that department's administrative 1. Special emergency frequencies (e.g., those used by needs except payroll, and maintains inmate, probation, and emergency medical service providers); parole records. The Department of Justice has a terminal 2. Highway or state police frequencies {e.g., those connected to the State Computer Center (SCC) for text used by the Highway Patrol}; processing during drafting or revision of regulations, etc. 3. Local police frequencies, including various other Wildlife Resources maintain~ records of hunting and fishing law enforcement agencies (e.g., those used by a county Iicenses, boat registrations, and federal assist?nce in the sheriff's office) j sec. The Administrative Office of the Courts is in the 4. Highway maintenance frequencies (e.g., those used process of establishing a pilot regional Court Information by maintenance and construction crews from the System for Wake and surrounding counties. This initial Division of Highways); system is eventually to be part of a statewide court infor­ 5. Local government frequencies {e.g., those used by mation network providing data records to track offenders muniCipalities or counties in dispatching maintenance from arrr.st to release. This system, under a plan which has crews} i been the subject of some disagreement among state officials 6. Fire frequencies {e.g., those used by municipal and (sec next section), will be linked to PIN, the Department of rural fire departments}. Correction data system, and otheis to form the Criminal These varied uses and users make comprehensive fre· Justice Information System (CJ IS). quency planning a complE;x exercise-and such planning is PIN is the heart of CJ IS, serving as the message switch further complicated by factors such as topography. Moun­ for the ~y$tem. PI N was establ ished in 1969 and now pro- tainous terrain, for example, can severely limit the normal 33 range of communications. In such a case, the same frequen­ a number of interviewees, is retlected in its proposed re­ cy might be reassigned in a relatively nearby area. vision of statutes to clarify the Department of Administra­ Responsibility for frequency allocation (deciding tion's responsibIlities for providing leadership in deVeloping which applicant may operate on which frequency) rests a comprehensive frequency plan for North Carolina (see with the Federal Communications Commission (PCC), Appendix F). upon application by the using agency. But the FCC does not have sufficient manpower to monitor every local use and special circumstance (such as topography). Therefore, CJ IS the FCC works with various available groups to determine frequency allocation. The Associated Public-Safety Com­ munications Officers, Inc. (APCO), an organization of pub­ A final area of concern for telecommunications plan­ lic employees engaged in communications, coordinates ap­ ners in the public safety services area is the Criminal Jus­ pi ications for frequencies in three of the above categories: tice Information System (q IS). When the Court In Forma­ those for highway or state police forcesj those for local tion System is operational, Cj IS will be a comprehensive police organizations; and those for local government. Emer­ data network tying together existing systems such as PI N) gency medical frequencies in North Carolina are allocated the Department of Correction system, local law enforce­ by the FCC in coordinatiot! with the state's Office of Emer­ ment agencies, the Division of Motor Vehicles, and national gCilCY Medical Services, a division of the Department of data systems. Proponents of the system have noted that Human Resources. Highway maintenance frequencies are judges often do not have complete previous criminal his­ allocated by the FCC in coordination with personnel in tories when sentencing defendants; and that there may be the Department of Transportation. Fire department fre­ instances where persons wanted in one locality are arrested quencies are allocated by the FCC in coordination with the and released in another because information about that per­ International Municipal Signal Association. The in-state son was not able to be transmitted and shared. agencies coordinating with the FCC, whether public or pri­ The CJ IS concept has received much of its support vate, vary from state to state, except that APCO chapters from the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administra­ act as police frequency coordinators for each of the states. tion (LEAA), created in 1968 to grant funds to local and The individuals and organizations assisting the FCC in state agencies to fight crime. LEAA funds have supported frequency allocation, it should be 'noted, are not compen­ and continue to support purchase of computer hardware in sated for their work. Consequently, there are no funds for numerous departments-hardware which will, under the on-site planning of frequency allocation, a consideration Cj IS proposal, be linked into a comprehensive network. An especially important in North Carolina, with its mountain­ additional proposed component to this system would in­ ous areas. In addition, the different groups have little clude facsimile transmission of fingerprints for identifica­ opportunity for liaison. Viewed individually, each cooperat­ tion of arrested persons. Support for the CJ IS concept was ing group is doing a creditable job: the problems that occur expressed by interviewees from the Department of Crime exist because there is no overall mechanism for planning, Control and Public Safety (where CJ IS planning is adminis­ management, and engineering of frequencies for their most tered currently), the Department of Correction, and other efficient use. law enforcement officials. A hypothetical example can serve to illustrate the In a written presentation to the Task Force) and in an overall problem. Nearby public safety agencies operating on interview conducted at the Department of Justice, however, different frequencies may not be able to communicate dur­ Attorney General Rufus L. Edmisten voiced concern that ing an emergency. A Wildlife Resources Commission officer the various proposals for CJ IS may presel)t statutory con­ in the field observing St','Jcted drug smuggling offshore flicts with responsibilities mandated to the Attorney Gen­ !\lay not be able to communicate with a Marine Fisheries eral by the General Assembly. He further stated that the dispatcher or the Coast Guard. The need is for a compre­ Cj IS system as planned may be duplicative of current ef­ hensive plan which will allow agencies to communicate with forts and not cost-effective. The Police Information Net­ each other. work, widely viewed as the core of the CJ IS system, is Cliff Blalock, Communications Officer for the Depart­ housed in the Department of Justice. The Attorney Gen­ ment of Crime Control and Public Safety, and Frank eral argued that information processing and communica­ Leatherman, Communications Officer for the Department tion among all criminal j~'stice agencies can best be handled of Administration, both emphasized, in presentations to the by the operating programs of the Department of Justice. Task Force, the need for comprehensive frequency planning The differences of opinion concerning costs, adminis­ and coordination. State government, through the Depart­ tration, and sharing of information about criminal justice ment of Administration telecommunications statutes (G.S. matters clearly require further analysis. The Task Force 143-340 [14]) has the authority necessary to coordinate therefore suggested that this and related matters be studied planning by the various agencies. The Task Force's concern in more depth by a permanent policy advisory mechanism about the need for frequency coordbation, as expressed by for telecommunications in state government. 34

Conclusions current examples of the need for coordination in telecom­ r munications have been reviewed here: Cj IS and radio fre­ . 1 The state's investment in public safety telecommuni­ quency management. Effective coordination can best be t \ cations is large: systems are numerous, complex, and ex­ achieved with objective advice. The Task Force concluded il that public safety agencies need a place to turn to receive r pensive. Coordination of services is imperative, as the r~ various agencies cooperate to meet emergencies and main­ telecommunications advice and assistance from an objec­ tain order. In public safety, perhaps more than in any other tive, comprehensive perspective that encompasses the area of state activity, personnel from different agencies total teiecommunications picture in North Carolina. 11' must communicate and information must be shared. Two ..~

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t{ I I 3S

Telecommunications Applications: 911-HELP IS JUST THREE DIGITS AWAY

When Teresa Cardina, 26, an­ swered the call at the 911 emergency communications center in Buffalo, New York, she was confronted with the scourge of telephone operators everywhere: on the other end of the line all she could hear was heavy breathing. Many people would have con­ cluded that a particularly malevolent prankster was tying up the emergency lines that day and would have hung up. But Miss Cardina tried a different re­ sponse. "If you need heip and can't talk," she said, "let me know by tapping once for 'yes' and twice for 'no.''' The reply was a single tap. Over the next half hour, Miss Car­ Two views of the Durham 911 Center: At far left, the "card-minder" system, dina posed a series of questions to be which is linked electronically to the large "vehicle status" maps at the right. Each answered by taps to determine the lo­ slot in the card-minder represents a patrol vehicle; those slots with cards inserted cation of the caller. Thanks to her represent 'cars on assignment. The maps show the location of general vehicle quick thinking and resourcefulness, assignments (but not the actual location of a vehicle from moment to moment); the life of Emily Kimberly, 75, who its colored lights also indicaE whether public safety officers are on call or avail­ had respiratory problems and could able for duty. Durham Public Safety Communications Director Ed Cannady notes not speak, was saved. that all 911 calls and dispatches are recorded and stored for 31 days. Not all Uses of the telephone for emergency response are stories with the benefits very apparent. People liv­ important in single incidents requiring such happy endings. It is clear, how­ ing in a 911 service area will benefit responses from several agencies. Gen­ ever, that the 911 emergency tele­ because the number is easily remem­ erally, response time to emergency phone number can be helpful in pro­ bered and dialed-easy especially for calls is reduced through 911 imple­ viding for the public's safety when citi­ dialing by plind persons, for those who mentation. Thus, citizen confidence in zens are educated to use it and when have to call in darkness for whatever public safety agencies is strengthened. operators are, like Teresa Cardina, reason, and for travelers and others 911 is not without its problems, trained in techniques for emergency wbo may not know how to obtain aid however, nor its detractors. In some communications. in a strange community. With 911, areas, citizens have complained that local citizens in emergencies don't slow response times are a result of the Benefits and Problems have to look up numbers-and in some inefficiency of some poorly trained casas as many as 40 emergency num­ 911 operators. One Rhode Island fire As the nationwide three-digit tele­ bers have been found listed in the chief notes that his state is "a highly phone number set aside for public ac­ front covers of local telephone books. congested area and the towns and cess to emergency aid, 911 has come a That 911 is a local service will also be­ cities are continuous suburban and in­ long way since the first system was in­ come iln increasingly important factor dustrial sprawl. The telephone ex­ stalled in Alabama in 1968. Every ma­ in the future: in ten or twenty years, changes overlap from one town to the jor national public safety organization North Carolinians who dial "0" when . next, and with duplicate exchanges as well as the federal government has they want help will likely speak to an and dupl icate street names in the ad­ recommended its use .. More than 700 operator in a central telephone office joining towns, much confusion could communities in the United States have which may be distant from the caller's result with a central answering point." 911, including six (three counties and home. Operators in these centralized EVen 911 planners, who obviously fa­ three cities) in North Carolina. Nine locations are not likely to know street vor the concept, concede that When states have adopted legislation de­ names or appropriate emergency agen­ 911 is implemented on a city rather signed to speed implementation of 911 cies in other towns. Public safety agen­ than county basis, unnecessary confu­ on a statewide basis. Other states, in­ cies also benefit: a single, central emer­ sion may resul t when emergency ser­ cluding North Carolina, are currently gency communications center allows vices provided by the county do not considering similar legislation. for better coordination between agen­ become part of the 911 team. Be­ The concept is fairly simple and cies-coordination which is especially cause North Carolina has very few 36

large metropolitan areas, state 911 tronic switching systems are rela­ of 911 implementation to be decided. planners are advocating countywide tively easy and inexpensive to For example, one option is free 911 rather than citywide implementation. modify for 911, but many c:;entral dialing from pay phones. Many North offices in North Carolina still use Carolina pay telephones wouid have to North Carolina 911 Planning the old mechal"ical "step-by-step" be mollified at extra cost to permit switch requiring expensive and ex­ citizens free access to the 911 emer­ In North Carolina, responsib ility tensive modifications for 911 im­ gency respome centers from non­ for statewide planning of 911 has rest­ plementation. Thus the principal residential locations. Another option, ed with the Department of Crime Con­ obstacle is not only technological, this one very expensive, would add trol and Public Safety, where Com­ it is also economic: with the a location-finding mechanism that munications/911 Coordinator William average cost of modification per would pinpoint the source of all calls Lynch and Assistant Coordinator Su­ electro-mechanical central office to the 911 center. Chicago's 911 sys­ san Harris have headed an ad hoc 911 running over $100,000, the ques­ tem automatically prints an address, Task Force, including representatives tion is, "Who will pay?" Southern telephone number, and police/fire from both public and private groups. Bell's policy has been to spread zone information on a computer Formed in early 1978, the 911 Task costs OVer its wide customer base screen to help operators speed help Fbrce met over a period of eight so that nobody really feels the along. Obviously such a system would months, and arrived at a single set of pinch; but North Carolina's many have saved both Teresa Cardina and guidelines and standards for 911 plan­ smaller, independent companies Emily Kimberly a half hour of agoniz­ ning and operations. do not have the large subscriber ing suspense. Conducted independently of the base over which to spread these 911 Task Force by Lynch and Harris, costs without undue burden on Results a survey of North Carolina's 100 coun­ the customer. ties was particularly instructive. Evi­ 2. Politics{furf: The 911 concept Legislation proposed by the DL­ dence of the great interest in 911 was requires consolidation of various partment of Crime Control and Pub­ the excellent response rate of 75% and public safety communications of­ lic Safety in early 1979 had five prin­ the fact that only five counties listed fices into a single central answer­ cipal parts: (1) it established an "emer­ themselves as opposed to 911 imple­ ing service, preferably with a gency telephone services program" in mentation. Mr. Lynch and Ms. Harris central dispatch as well. The fear the Department of Administration; organized the responses in "priority of losing control over their opera­ (2) it stated the intent of the General categories:" coun ties whose curren t tions by public safety agency Assembly "to establish and coordinate arrangements made 911 implementa­ heads can be a factor hindering ef­ a cohesive statewide emergency teie­ tion relatively simple (for example, forts to implement 911. Solutions phone system" under the 911 concept; where only one telephone company to this problem vary. Durham, (3) it instructed the Secretary of Ad­ operated or where public safety com­ with its "Public Safety Officer" ministration to develop a 911 plan munications were already consolidated) concept (a consolidation of police within a year, including coordination were visited first. Key people such as and fire functions) has found one with local governments, public safety local sheriffs, chiefs of police, fire and solution. Lincoln County has an­ agencies, telephone companies, the rescue coordinators, and city and other: a separate Communications N.C. Utilities Commission, state gov­ county managers and elected officials Department answerable to a city / ernment, and others; (4) it transferred were brought together to begin plan­ county board was created to 911 staff from Crime Control and ning for 911-an effort which is con­ operate 911. Still other areas as­ Public Safety to Administration; and tinuing. But planning is complex and sign coordination of the 911 cen­ (5) it limited the applicability of the often slow. "It took one county nine ter to that agen<;y with the highest statute so that "nothing in this act months to even name a planning com­ vol ume of calls to coordinate the shall be deemed to require or to mittee," Ms. Harris reports. From the 911 center. authorize the requirement of the use time a county formally asks a tele­ 3. Personnel{fraining: Tradition­ of a 911 system by any unit of local phone company to provide 911, it ally, the dispatcher has been the government." normally takes at least 18 months for low man on the police depart­ Members of the Telecommunica­ the company to make 911 operational. ment totem pole. Unfortunately, tions Task Force took great interest in At present, Ms. Harris says, at least 17 this view of the dispatching func­ the opportunities and problems associ­ North Carolina counties are presently tion as relatively unimportant has ated with 911. In their recommenda­ in some planning stage of 911, with not totally disappeared. The need tions, greater coordination of telecom­ several nearly at the point of ordering is for alert, capable operators with munications systems was encouraged, their systems. expertise in emergency medical including coordination for public Three principal obstacles must be services, fire, and police functions. safety services. Specific recommenda­ overcome for 911 to be implemented: -people, in other words, who tions favoring 911 were directed to the 1. Technology/Economics: In or-' know what questions to ask and attention of the recommended perma­ der for 911 to be installed, modi­ who can operate dispatch radio nent mechanism for investigating these fications must be made on tele­ equipment as well as answer in- \ and similar needs, the proposed phone company central office coming phone calls. Agency for Public Telecommunica­ switching equipment. Newer elec- There are, of couise, other aspects, tions. CHAPTER 11-0: Government Operations

The Task Force conducted 25 interviews on govern­ boards and agencies, are currently using the SCC for data ment operations. This category was defined to include both services. But this statistic does not reveal the true extent of internal management of government (for example, the state computer use. Of these 15 departmer,ts, six (the De­ Budget Office, Treasurer's Department, and Administrative partments of Human Resources, Transportation, Natural Analysis Office); and resources management (for example, Resources and Community Development, Public EduC')tion, the Divisions of Earth Resources and Marine Fisheries). Justice, and State Treasurer) also have their own major Unifying this umbrella category are a strong current re­ (with teleprocessing) or mini computing facilities. More­ liance on telecommunications, and an interest in potential over, the Department of Correction, which does not use the cost-savings and better services through telecommunica­ SCC, has its own data processing system, and the Admini$­ tions in the future. trative. Office of the Courts, a current sec user, is planning a major statewide system. Most of these additional facilities USES OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS and systems serve both external service delivery and in­ ternal management functions. The Department of Correc­ The data communications activities of state govern­ tion cpmputer, for example, maintains inmate records and ment are largely concentrated in the Department of Ad­ administrative data for management; it is to be an impor­ ministration's State Computer Center (SCC) in Raleigh. As tant part of the Criminal Justice Information System which part of the Management Systems Division (which also pro­ is planned to link Correction, th~ Justice Department's vides support to other state government agencies in soft­ Police Information Network, and various other data sys­ ware, planning, coordination, and staff training), the SCC tems into an integrated network. In his March 17} 1978, operates two cost-shared computers for some 70 users. presentation to the Task Force, Robert E. Johns, State Nearly half (44%) of the data processing done during day­ Management Systems Officer, stated that a total of 718 light hours is inpu~_ from 250 remote terminals. Remote' terminal devices were then in general state government, and data entry (telepro';;essing) is expected to continue to grow 670 additional terminals were planned for activation in the in the future. Currently, the uses as well as the users are next few years, based on figures available as of July 1, 1977. varied: The state telephone system, operated by the Depart­ -the Commerce Department uses 104 terminals for in­ ment of Administration's Communications Office, is a net­ dustrial accident claims and management, beer and work of data and voice circuits for state government and is wine permits, job opportunities records, and materials expected to be 98% complete by June, 1979. The Direct handling at the State Ports Authority j Access Intercity Network {DAIN} connects local telephone -the Department of Administration uses 37 terminals instruments with a DAIN switching center in Raleigh over for econometric analyses, applications development, leased circuits. Together with Wide-Area Telephone Service the State Personnel Management System, and the (WATS), the state's telephone system is providing what Purchase Order System; most interviewees agreed is excellent service at rates sig­ -the General Assembly uses 22 terminals during its ses­ nificantly lower than those available commercially. While sions for bill preparation, bill status and history, and voice communication is the major use of the state tele­ special committee status reports; phone system, other potential uses are not curently being -the Agriculture Department uses three terminals for fully realized; among these are call-forwarding and telecon­ pest control and soil services. ferencing. Fifteen major departments, as well as numerous other Facsimile transmission and telegraph are additional,

37 but not major, modes of communication for management tions in management. The planned adoption of the Fixed purposes. The Departments of Revenue and Administration Asset Accounting System should help provide accurate data use facsimile systems for communications with local tax reflecting modern technology and practices. offices and North Carolina's Washington, D.C., Office, One of the projects under the Department of Adminis­ respectively. Use of facsimile transmission is expected to tration's Total Management Improvement Program-Infor­ increase as technological improvements make it faster and mation Systems Planning (ISP)-is being used to determine more accurate. The Division of Purchase and Contract used what information is required by top-level managers. The a direct-line telegraph between its offices in the Department ISP project has been developed as a response to the current of Administration in Raleigh and the Western Union office problem that very little information is available on a stan­ for' receipt of bids until maintenance problems caused re- dardized basi:;. Different agencies collect and report data rnov;!1 of the system. " in different WeNS, making comparisons difficult. To satisfy Most two-way radio applications in state government management nr~eds, it may be necessary to develop a stan­ are for public safety services and do not fall in the govern­ dardized managl~ment data "package." ment operations category. However, the radio in the Gov­ One area of telecommunications planning where ernor's limousine is now linked to the Highway Patrol Com­ progress was being made even while the Task Force was still munications system. Under a recent proposal by Frank in its study stage was that of teleprocessing. In 1978, the Leatherman, Department of Administration Communica­ General Assembly acted to require a consolidated state plan tions Officer, a separate frequency will be reservecl for the for automated data processing (ADP) which, in its tele­ Governor, Executive Cabinet officers, and other state processing mode, is an important aspect of telecommunica­ officials. tions. With leadership from the Management Systems Divi­ While data and voice circuits are used for most manage­ sion of the Department of Administration, meetings were ment purposes, some video has also been used. Television, held throughout the second half of 1978 and early 1979 whether via broadcast, cable, or closed-circuit, has become with representatives from the ADP staffs of various state an increasingly important educational tool in our society. government departments. By early spring, a state plan was State government has facilities and personnel at the State in draft form. The need for greater ADP coordination had Personnel Development Training Center in Raleigh to pro­ been expressed by the Director of Management Systems duce video programs for staff development. There are black during one of the earliest formal presentations to the Task and white cameras, audio recorders, and playback equip­ Force. Thus, at the time this Report was being written, ment in a small studio, but most of the facilities are obso.­ substantial forward movement had been made in ADP tete or in need of rcpaii. Moreover, staffing at the Center coordination. is not adequate to produce sufficient high-quality program­ A more fundamental issue was identified in Task Force ming to provide management with a first-rate training tool. research. Many state employees do not fully understand A number of agencies have purchased other video equip­ the advantages of telecommunications in government oper­ ment with management uses evidently in minu, but these ations and services. The need for education of state per­ facilities too are often obsolete, unused, or both. Video­ sonnel at all levels about telecommunications is suggested conferencing is not used, except for an occasional demon­ by the large number of employees who are unaware of pro­ stration project such as that provided through the Appa­ visions for conference telephone calls, and have no idea lachian Regional Commission in Asheville in November, about how to place such a call. While effective use of tele­ 1978, when governors, officials, and citizens from states communications could save energy and time over travel throughout Appalachia were able to discuss plans for as a means of holding meetings, there is relatively little "bringing up a new generation" of children in the area. advantage being taken of these opportunities. On the other hand, Task Force interviews confirmed that officials do PROBLEMS AND PLANS want to achieve belier and less expensive management, and many were excited to hear how telecommunications can The Need for Coordination help. The suggestions made by state officials interviewed by The Task Force found several barriers to effective tele­ the Task Force were instructive. The existence of the Task communications management. State personnel classification Force, though only for a one-year lifespan, pointed up the ~nd state accounting systems, for example, do not reflect need for a permanent means for collecting and disseminat­ the exact costs of telecommunications personnel and hard­ ing infoimation on terecommunications. Information is ware. Job categories tend to be inexact and outdated; an needed, for example, on how to use current systems more outstanding employee working in telecommunications may efficiently, on how to take advantage of new systems and be promoted to a job title which does not accurately reflect technologies, and on how to avoid unnecessary purchases or his work because no appropriate job title had been estab­ leases. Currently, advice on purchase or lease of new sys­ lished. Object codes in the Departmental Accounting Sys­ tems is obtained largely from vendors; a disinterested view tem do not re)'"lect the important role of telecommunica- is needed to help state government avoid the costly mistake 39 of seeking technical solutions to administrative problems. Telecommunications in the Budgetary Process Vendors may recommend elaborate and expensive telecom­ munications equipment, such as a costly telephone switch­ ing system, when better organized secretarial staff could An especially interesting and potentially money-saving easily handle incoming calls using present resources. In­ proposal for a telecommunications system was made by terviewees also said some agency needs to take the lead in interviewees at the Office of the Budget and the State facil itating the sharing of systems, and that there needs to Treasurer's D~partment. State Budget Officer and Execu­ be better training for state employees in the effective use tive Assistant to the Governor john A. Williams and four of systems, including the telephone. Several interviewees Division Directors of the Treasurer's Department all ex­ felt that each major state agency needs at least one in-house pressed great interest in a centralized statewide telecommu­ staffer with expertise in telecqmmunications technology nications network for budgetary purposes. Current tele­ and systems. processing procedures, Mr. Williams noted, do not give the A central telecommunications agency could promote Budget Office needed knowledge of existing liabilities, nor coordination, create economies, and provide information. control oVer liabilities and encumbrances. As a result, it is Such a mechanism could serve as a planning agency to not possible under the present system to know precisely examine long-range problems and opportunities In tele­ what funds are available for a given budgetary item. Under communications that face state government. Several groups the centralized budget/disbursing concept, the progress of have been fonned to address particular problems: for ex­ each budgetary item from proposal to appropriation to ample, committees are studying word processing and data expenditure would be recorded automatically, making pos­ processing, both closely allied to telecommunications. sible payment of alt state obligations from one disbursing Still lacking, however, is an integrated approach to planning point. Mr. Williams noted that this system could have as in all of telecommunications. Comprehensive planning advantages: could explore the suggestion raised by several telecommu­ nications experts that state government conside.r purchasing -a substantial reduction of the number of people cur­ its own interconn'ect system~ (telephone instruments and rently involved in these functions; switching devices), rather than continuing to lease tele­ -a substantial imprOVement in disbursing procedures phone company terminal equipment. Many large institu­ so that first, the state could take advantage of cash dis­ tions, both in and out of state, have concluded that pur­ counts by prompt paymentsj and second, the state chase and installation of their own equipment would be could make last-minute payments, thereby increasing cost-beneficial. In a government setting there is abnormally funds available for investment; high job turnover resulting in much expensive reorganiza­ -improved management efficiency resulting from de­ tion of office teler.;ommunications equipment. Therefore, creasing the paper work and other problems of the cur­ significant savings might be accomplished by having the rent system. (Presently, the biennial budget preparation state do its own installation, moving, and removal of tele­ involves deating with large num bers oftypewritten bud­ phone equipment. A carefully designed and implemented get requests with accompanYing problems of paper study of state government services should provide top man­ work. Each change must be explained by additional agement with an answer to this purchase-or-Iease question. paper work in subsequent steps until appropriation of funds.)

The four Division Directors of the Treasurer's Depart­ TeleconferenCing ment independently made the same proposal. They noted that such a system should include connections to banks to Teleconferencing also merits careful study. Telephone speed receipt of state monies. The potential significance of conference calls, as mentioned above, are readily available this connection, and of Mr. Williams' suggestion of some for use now. Video teleconferences are becoming more last-minute payments of state funds, lies in the fact that In­ attractive in the context of today's rising prices and energy terest earned on cash balances is the state's fifth largest shortages, and the decreasing cost of the technology in­ source of income and will amount to about $60 mil(ion in volved. Even if videoconferencing does not prove to be ab­ the current fiscal year. Under the present sYstem, funds solutely cost"effective in every case, the state may still wish, are idle simply because, at times, it takes days for the to investigate the video option to improve its internal com­ Treasurer's Department to be notified of a deposit by a munications and to increase citizen participation in govern­ state agency. On-tine entry to the social security and re­ ment. As computer terminals become more widespread in tirement systems would also be possible. state government, their use as devices for interactive con­ None of the respondents actually endorsed this con­ ferencing will become feasible. These matters require in­ cept, because the potential for cost-savings, however great, vestigation by policy makers with the assistance of compe­ is rivaled by the very great expense of implementing such tent telecommunications professionals. a comprehensive system, A network like the one visualized 40

above is feasible but costly if it is dedicated to a single pur­ Conclusions pose. IfI however, requirements for several statewide data networks are aggregated, a comprehensive network might Government management already relies heavily on tele­ be cost-effectively created using emerging technologies. In communications. Nevertheless, the Task Force encountered the future, a totally digital switching network would be examples of a lack of knowledge among some state em­ capable of transmitting all forms of communications-video, ployees of some management tools and of developing datal voice, text-after conversion to digital form. A prede­ technologies. cessor to this form of network, one which is available tech­ During its year of research, the Task Force stimulated a nologically todaYI is packet-switching for teleprocessing. great deal of discussion between state government managers Packet-switching (a new technology permitting different and telecommunications experts and advocates. Although types of computers to communicate, with the possibil ity of many state employees have now become aware of the op­ reducing circuit costs) is already under some investigation portunities for savings and services, Task Force members by the Office of Communications in the Department of Ad­ are convinced of the need for the state to provide continu­ ministration and merits further study as a means of provid­ ing information and education so that its employees will ing an integrated statewide network. If a packet-switching achieve a better understanding about how to use current network becomes a reality in North Carolina, planners systems; how to plan for new ones, including consideration should be able to ensure its compatibility with the total of emerging technologies; how to obtain non-vendor­ digital network of the future. If the investment seems large, oriented information; and how to incorporate telecommu­ the potential for savings of taxpayers' money may be larger, nications considerations into personnel, accounting, pur­ and a feasibility study certainly seems justified. chase/contract, and property/construction procedures. 41

Telecommunications Applications: EYE IN THE SKY

Satellites. To most people, the flight at $35,000, or $12 a square The advantages of using teleCom­ word conjures up trips to the moon, mile. Additonal costs would be in­ munications for this application are James Bond adventures, countdowns, curred in the post-flight photo­ clear: costs Were lower, the work­ and Cape Kennedy, To land-use plan­ graphic analysis. This method completion time shorter, and the ners at the Region D Council of Gov­ would have required an estimated accuracy sufficient for Region D's ernments in Boone, however, satellites twelve months for completion of needs. The satellite/computer applica­ suggest such earth-bound concepts as the work. tion, however, has lim itations. The "urban development" and "deciduous 3. Satellite Imagery / Computer satellite was not able to subcategorize vegetation.' , Processing: The telecommunica­ urban areas into commercial, residen­ The reason is simple: Region D tions alternative consisted of im­ tial, and industrial uses. Nor was the planners, faced in 1977 with a federal agery from the NASA LANDSAT satellite able to differentiate between requirement for a comprehensive land­ Satellite Program and data process­ some heavily forested or lOW-density use analysis of their seven-county by a private subcontractor for residential areas and timber or pasture (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, analysis of the imagery. The cost areas. Finally, the uncategorized clas­ Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey) region, of the Satellite imagery: $200; of sification (less than 1% of the total) examined a number of options for the computer analysis: $6,300. needed to be manually studied. In compiling a regional map. The choice The per-square-mile cost estimate order to make up for these lim itations, of the telecommunications alternative for this option, therefore, was a small windshield survey was com­ -satell ite imagery/computer process­ $2.30, less than half the first al­ pleted to provide supplemental data. ing-provides a lesson in how these ternatiVe and about one-fifth of Richard Reiman, now with the technologies can be a cost-effective the second. Reliability of inform a­ Department of Administration and an and efficient tool for government. tion was estimated at 90% ac­ original participant in the Region D A comprehensive map had be­ curacy, and the job could be com­ study, notes, "The efficiencies of come necessary when the federal De­ pleted within four months. Ob­ using LANDSAT data in combination partment of Housing and Urban De­ viously, the Region D staff chose with aerial photographic analysis or velopment (HUD) required all appli­ the satellite/computer option. windshield surveys could be lost in cants for planning funds to develop a LANDSAT had been continuously heavily urban areas because much regional land-use plan prior to August recording information about every more time would be spent compiling 22, 1977. Mindful of the 1,615,000 portion of the earth through its re­ and analyzing the supplemental infor­ acres in the seven counties, a budget mote sensing capabilities since Janu­ mation." In Region D, however, ur­ which did not allow for additional ary, 1975. (A sister satellite, the Earth ban areas are less than 1 % of the total staff, and the HUD deadline, Region D Resources Technology Satellite, had acreage, so the LANDSAT technique planners examined three alternatives been in orbit since 1972.) The satel­ was in fact cost-efficient. And cost­ for compiling the map: lites are able to recognize different effectiveness would increase even more 1. Windshield Survey: So-called amounts of energy ("signatures ") were a larger area surveyed. The satel­ because staff members would radiated by various land and water lite could "see" over one-third of drive around the region compiling features. The satellite transmits its North Carolina and Tennessee when information manually from their imagery information to various earth the Region D survey was done. Reiman automobiles, the windshield sur­ receiving stations; where the data can says the additional areas could have vey technique was cost-estimated then be transmitted to a computer for been analyzed at little extra cost. at between $15,000-$20,000- analysis. Satellite technologies offer state some .$5-$7 per square mile. The Data analysis provided by the government a number of possible ap­ high cost was not the only draw­ Aerospace Systems Division of the plications. Task Force members heard back to this technique: it would Bendix Corporation produced a color­ briefings on: have required ten man-months to coded map showing eight categories -rapid transmission of education­ complete and was of questionable of land use: urban developed areas; al or cultural programming for reliability because of the lack of deciduous vegetationj mixed vegeta­ storage and later playback at nor­ roads in some parts of the region. tion; open field/pasture; bare soil; mal speeds; 2. Aerial Photography: The last mining are<\S; water; and miscellaneous -videoconferencing (discussed in aerial photography reconnaissance areas. The map produced by LANDSAT Chapter II-E); of the region was made in 1964; information, Bendix, and the Region -emergency communications, in­ this information was' badly out­ D staff was based on one-acre data cluding capabilities like those used dated and a new flight would elements and was supplemented by in land use planning which might have to be made. Region D plan­ analyses showing the types and extent be developed so that the satellites ners estimated the cost of a new of land and water characteristics. could identify contamination by 42

l

LANDSAT Satellite

Satellite sensing capabilities are able to recognize different amounts of energy radiated by land and water areas. These "sig­ natures" of one-acre resolution are transmitted to an earth receiving station and sent along to a computer for processing and production of the color-coded land-use maps.

chemical spills such as those -and teleprocessing, with trans­ with the possibility of sharing satel­ which have recently plagued mission costs that are the same, lite time among agencies and/or states, North Carolina; regardless of distance from the it is equally important to consider -extending telecommunications central computer to receiver. them as time-saving, energy-saving, and services to remote and otherwise It is important to recognize that money-saving methods of accomplish­ nearly inaccessible areas at reason­ not all satellite uses will be cost­ ing a task. able cost; effective alternatives. But, particularly CH/"PTER II-E: Public/Government Interaction

Executive Order No. 18 instructed the Task Forr.e to communications. At present, the main interactive systems "consider how citizens' rights can best be provided for in for public/government communication are the few toll­ the telecommunications activities of the State, including free telephone lines that state government offers North ... the right of public participation in policy-making." Ac­ Carolinians. cordingly, the Task Force conducted 18 interviews with Two such IineSI for example) have been established public information officers, elected officials, members of at the Governor's Office of Citizen Affairs, which promotes citizens' boards, representatives of local government orgc::ni­ citizen involvement in government) public affairs, and vol­ zations, and others interested in and/or responsible for fos­ unteerism. Citizens may call in with comments and con­ tering greater interaction between the citizenry and gov­ cerns about state or local policies. They can call the State ernment. Public/government interaction was defined to also Ombudsman for help in cutting through red tape, getting include exchanges between state and local levels of gov­ answers to complicated questions, ,and dealing with the ernment. bureaucracy. These IN-WATS lines are staffed from 9 to 5 on weekdays. During off-hours, callers h~ar a recording in­ USES OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS viting them to call back during office hours. The Depart­ ment of Natural Resources and Community Development Telecommunications can playa vital role in facilitating has two lines available for local government officials to citizen access to elected and appointed officials. Indeed, a call in with questions and problems. Some state agencies number of demonstration projects,across the country have (e.g., the Consumer Services Division of the Department suggested that a significant effect of the telecommunica­ of Insurance) have had such toll-free lines, but many have tions revolution may be the establishment of a new sense been discontinued because of insufficient funding. of community through a kind of electronic town hall: Other than toll-free lines, telecommunications systems home access to government through interactive telecom­ are used only sporadically in North Carolina to promote munications. In Reading, Pennsylvania, senior citizen cen­ public/government interaction. Call-in television and radio ters are connected via the Berks TV Cable Company to gov­ programs have been used occasionally. Governor James. B. ernmt:nt agencies such as the local Social Security office, Hunt, Jr., recently answered citizens' phoned-in questions so that the elderly may, through videoconferencing, ques­ abolut the statewide high school competency tests in a live tion administrators in downtown offices about eligibility bro~ldcast by the UNC-TV network. North Carolina has also and benefits. In Columbus, Oh io, subscribers to Warner hosted a regional videoconference by the Appalachian Re­ Cable Television's experimental QUBE system can vote in gional Commission (ARc) on the theme of "Raising a New local straw polls on city and local services by using tele­ Generation in Appalachia." Th is October, 1978} conference phone-sized consoles attached to their television sets. via s,atellite included a call-in/video segment in which Gov­ Most uses of telecommunications in North Carolina ernors Hunt (North Carolina), Schapp (Pennsylvania), Finch state government for fostering pub Iic/government interac­ (Mis:sissippi), and ARC Co-Chairman Robert Scott respond­ tion are less sophisticated than those in Columbus or ed t~1 citizens' inquiries. Reading and are qualitatively different in that interaction An April, 1977, satellite videoconference featuring is missing: the communication is strictly one-way. The U.S. Representative Charles Rose has served as a prototype most exciting possibil ities for increasing citizen participa­ for North Carolinians interested in promoting pUblic/gov­ tion in public policy-making are through interactive tele- ernment interaction. Students at Hoke County High School

43 44 and C;'iY arld county officials in Raeford, North Carolina, citizens must have access to information about govern­ "met" with Congressman Rose in Washington via an inter­ mental activities. A number of respondents discussed the connection consisting of a portable earth station in Rae­ general difficulty encountered by state government of­ ford, thl:: Communications Technology Satellite, the NASA­ ficials} both elected and appointed} in informing the general Goddard Earth Terminal in Greenbelt, Md., and studio fa­ public. Many government activities may, quite rightly, not cilities in NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Rose, a be seen as particularly newsworthy by the mass media. Task Force Vice-Chairman and a nationally-recognized Con­ Aides to three of the state's most influential elected leaders gressional leader in telecommunications} said that satellite made similar points during Task Force interviews: videocon ferencing: -Bill Franklin, Administrative Assistant to Lieutenant opens up a whole new vista for congressional commu­ Governor James C. Green, noted that not many aV­ nications ... The imml:Jdiacy of this ... medium per­ enues are open for elected officials to speak directly to mits .•. a dialogue to take place in an atmosphere sec­ the people of the state. ond only to face-to-face meetings ... Committee hear­ -Gary Pearce and Stephanie Bass, press aides to Gov­ ings, "town meetings." press conferences, meetings ernor James B. Hunt, Jr., suggested that direct tele­ with constituents and dozens of other congressional type connections between the Capitol press office and activities could take advantage of this space-age tech­ North Carolina newspapers would help in fuller dissem­ nology .•. ination of state news to the public. Radio, Mr. Pearce The Washington-Raeford videoconference report} pre­ and Ms. Bass noted, can be an especially worthwhile pared Jointly by NASA and George Washington University, medium for incn:asing citizen interaction with govern­ stated tha t: ment officials. Radio call-in programs are effective be­ -Satellite videoconferencing is technically feasible. In cause participants are more spontanecus than when addition to the Raeford experiment. similar demon­ they are being televised. strations between Illinois and California with Washing­ ~Sidney S. Eagles, Counsel to Speaker of the House ton were also successfully completed. Carl Stewart, said that members of the General As­ -Satellite videoconferences are useful. Participants sembly find it very frustrating to try to communicate (both members of the public and of Congress) agreed their activities to their constituents. There is no way to that the demonstration proj~cts had provided informa­ give broad coverage to "unglamorous" programs, how­ tion valuable to the governmental process. ever important they may be, he said. In the highly -Satellite videoconferencing is cost-effective. The re­ competitive world of broadcasting, where mass audi­ port notes that videoconferences will cost about $300 ences arc sought, full coverage of legislative sessions, no per hour by 1980-82. "For a typical congressional ... matter how worthwhile a goal, is unlikely. Mr. Eagles hearing," the report stated, "videoconferencing would expressed interest in exploring alternative non-broad­ be about three times cheaper than the cost of airfare, cast technologies that could distribute news of General travel time, and per diem for the witnesses. The bene­ Assembly activities to the people. fit/cost ratio is about 3:1, and this docs not include the On a national level} there is already substantial move­ subjective value placed on participation of citizens who ment toward letting the people "tune in" on Congressional would not otherwise have the time or money to come proceedings. National Public Radio affiliates carried live to Washington, D.C." Nor does this ratio take into ac­ coverage of the Panama Canal debates in the Un ited States count energy savings. Senate. Cable television systems from New York to Cali­ The hearings, however, were one-time demonstrations fornia are now or will be soon carrying live debates from only. The experiment has shown policy planners and the the U.S. House of Representatives via satellite. The service, public alike that citizens can increase their participation in begun in early 1979, is expected by Brian Lamb, President the governmental process through telecommunications, but of the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network, to reach permanent mechanisms for citizen input to government are nearly half of the nation's cable viewers. Similar arrange­ still relatively uncommon. ments, at least for audio coverage, might be made for the North Carolina General Assembly, quite possibly using PROBLEMS AND PLANS audio-only transmission to cable television companies.

"Tuning In" On Government Teleconferencing

While the use of telecommunications to further pUblic/ Interest in teleconferencing as a means of increasing government interaction in North Carolina may be limited, citizen participation in government was evident in Task the opportunities are numerous. Task Force interviews es­ Force interviews} but so were concerns about related policy tablished a number of concerns that policy-makers should issues. As a result of discussions with the Task Force, the consider. Legislative Study Commission for State Policies on the To participate effectively in public decision making, Meetings of Governmental Bodies (commonly called the 45

"Open Meetings Commission"), included in its 1979 pro­ further study conducted so that state and local services that posed legislation an expansion of the definition of "official could be delivered through telecommunications might be meeting" to cover "meetings conducted by simultaneous coordinated more closely. conference telephone or other electronic means." The pro­ Several interviewees also noted the important role of posed bill also requires public bodies to provide means for telecommunications in providing training to state and local the public to listen to such electronic meetings. Dickson government employees. Both Ronald Aycock) Executive Phillips (then Chairman ofthe State Board of Ethics, now a Director of the North Carolina Association of County Com­ federal judge) felt that telephone conferencing is a "poor missioners, and Leigh Wilson, Executive Director of the substitute" for face-to-face meetings, but stated that tele­ State League of Municipalities, commented that the Insti­ conferencing might nevertheless be valuab!e in eliminating tute of Government in Chapel Hill (the principal training difficult travel during adverse weather conditions, in re­ agency for appointed or elected officials) has not been ducing the amount of time board members have to be away easily accessible to all of those who might benefit from Its from their work, and in facilitating participation by people serVices, especially those from remote rural areas. Mr. Wil­ residing in remote areas of the state. Judge Phillips and son suggested that telecommunicating the instruction Patrick Sears, Director of Communications for the Depart· available at the Institute to remote areas of the state would ment of Cultural Resources, noted that video teleconferenc­ help ensure that all sectiotls of North Carolina have the ing systems would probably not lYe cost-effective unless the most competent public officials possible. costs were shared by departments. Most respondents, then, seemed to give qualified approval to the video telecon­ ferencing concept, given some means of coordination and Other Applications sharing of systems by varioLls agencies. Arthur Cassell, Vice-Chairman of the State Goals and Secretary of State Thad EUre expressed the opin ion of Policies Board, said that telecommunications could be numerous interviewees when he stated that there is a need beneficial in the Board's work. The Board has held nu­ for a toll-free 800 number to direct all inquiries to the ap­ merous local, regional, and statewide hearings on North propriate agencies. A .::omprehensive state telephone infor­ Carolina's Balanced Growth Policy. Telecommunications mation system, Mr. Eure said, "WOUld be a splendid govern­ could be a help in conducting similar hearings, Mr. Cassell ment service." commented. Additionally, telecommunications technology Finally, Alex Brock, Director of the State Board of could help equalize access to services for both urban and Elections, discussed a number of important applications of rural areas throughout the state-a baSIC tenet of the telecommunications to electoral matters. Through video Balanced Growth Policy. Education, telemedicine, and cul­ and audio informational programs, he said, telecommunica­ tural enrichment are some of the applications of telecom­ tions could help combat the growing problem of voter munications which would help those in rural areas receive apathy. Mr. Brock stated that the average North Carolinian their full share of government services, he said. has little if any idea of the exact functions of county and municipal governments and officials. He called for voter education projects to be delivered into voters' homes via Local Government telecommunications. Telecommunications can also be a valuable asset in the actual operation of elections, he said. Members of the Public/Government Interaction Com­ Nine counties are presently using data processing to count mittee included local government use of telecommunica­ votes and the Board of Elections has approved, the use of tions among their areas of concern. The organization of lo­ an electrcnic voting machine. While these uses do not in­ cal governments reflects many of the same aspects as those volve teleprocessing now, they suggest a potential for link­ discussed in Chapter 11-0 for state government in telecom­ ing the machines so that, for example, votes in statewide munications planning and utiliza.tion. Local governments races could be electronically transmitted to the State Board are crucially important in the delivery of many services for data processing. Mr. Brock also suggested that "the ul­ which are coordinated and planned by state government: timate answer to low participation" in elections may be a local school boards, for example, work closely with the "dial-a-vote" system. Under this system, voters tould dial State Department of Public Instruction. Local governments an ipentification number from home telephones and enter could benefit from a comprehensive study of services to be their voting preferences into a computer. A home-based delivered and an inventory of means for delivering those system like this would almost certainly increase voter par­ services. One such study, using much of the same method­ ticipation markedly but could also involve problems in en­ ology as that used by the Telecommunications Task Force suring ballot secrecy and access by all voters. "Dial-a-vote" in its study of state government, is now being conducted in is still in the experimental stage, and Mr. Brock said he Ha}/wood County by the National Telecommunications and would favor a pilot project to explore the costs, benefits, Information Administration and the National Rural Center. and policy considerations of instituting such a system in Members of the Task Force expressed interest in seeing North Carolina. 46

ConclusIons the ideas discussed by Task Force interviewees were better access to the people by state officials; teleconferencing; us­ North Carolina has begun to explore only a fraction of ing telecommunications to improve local government ser­ the potential uses of telecommunications to increase citizen vices; a,nd using telecommunications in various ways to participation in government. Current practices include sev­ combat voter apathy. Each of the potential uses of tele­ eral information/referral/help lines, a few of them toll-free; communications could help North Carolina become an even some broadcast call-in programs; and occasional video tele­ more democratic, open state, as well as a national leader in conferences. increasing public/government interaction. But each use also The potential uses of telecommunications in increasing requires careful study as to costs, benefits, and policy im­ citizen participation in government are numerous. Among plications. 47

Telecommunications Applications: SATELLITE VIDEOCONFERENCE LINKS RALEIGH-WASHINGTON

"Mr. Chairman," the witness be­ erator; Robert Feragen, Administrator telecommunications expense in North gan, "I appreciate very much the op­ of the RlJral Electrification Adminis­ Caroliha is from federal sources. He portunity to come to you this way in tration (REA) in the U.S Department called for the states to organize them­ Raleigh to testify before the North of Agriculture; Dr. Robben Fleming, selves to avoid the "potential for ter­ Carolina General Assembly. Basically President of the Corporation for Pub­ rible 'fragmentation and duplication" what we have to say to the General lic Broadcasting; Anne Jones, a Fed­ in telecommunications, and said that Assembly is this: the whole field of eral Communications Commissioner; North Carolina's work through the telecommunications is developing and and Dr. William Lucas, Deputy Assis­ Task Force was a useful example for expanding very rapidly today-and if tant Director for Applications of the other states to consider following. CPB our state of North Carolina is to main­ National Telecommunications and In­ President Fleming reviewed the history tain its position of leadership in this forma~ion Administration of the U.s. and role of the Corporation in provid­ country, we shQuld seriously consider Department of Commerce. ing funding for public broadcasting a coordination of all our telecommu­ Raleigh-based participants includ­ across the country, and noted that nications activities ... We will do a ed some 25 legislators and state offi­ $800,000 in CPB funds had gOhe to great service to our people if we will cials who <:sked the Wash ington ex­ North Carolina in the 1979 fiscal year consider a mechanism that would al­ perts a series of challenging and fas­ for the UNC-TV Network, Charlotte's low for coordination and avoidance of cinating questions. Lieutenant Gover­ WTVI, and the three CPB-affiliated duplication in telecommunications." nor James C. Green, for example, public radio stations in the state. FCC Inspiring words from Congres­ asked Congressman Rose about pri­ Commissioner jones reviewed the sional telecommunications leader and vacy Isecurity matters in the collection changing marketing and regulatory en­ Vice-Chairman of the Telecommunica­ of health data; about the future avaii­ vironment and the proposed revisions tions Task Force Rep. Charles G. Rose, ability of satellites for teleconferenc­ to the 1934 Commun ications Act, III-and particularly inspiring to fellow ing, land-use mapping, and other ser­ concluding that "we are all in for a lot members of the Task Force and state vices; and about what states should do of change." Finally, REA Adminis­ telecommunications planners in view to plan for technological changes. Sen­ trator Feragen discussed his agency's of the fact that, in this case, the medi­ ator Kenneth Royall asked Rep. Rose role in providing $5 billion in loans to um was truly the message. The me­ how Congress uses its teleprocessing rural telephone companies in the past dium: satellite videoconferencing, link­ facil ities. Senators Harold Hardison, and in planning for programs to facil j­ ing telecommunications experts in Edward Renfrow, and Joe Palmer, as tate cable TV and other broadband Washington, D.C., with General As­ well as Representative Ruth Easterling, services for rural areas in the future. sembly members in Raleigh. The mes­ asked about rural telecommunications So much for the message. The me­ sage: telecommunications technology and its role in North Carolina's Bal­ dium involved three links of a telecom­ is making revolutionary advances, and anced Growth Policy. Senator Dallas munications chain. The Washington North Carolina needs to be in a position Alford quizzed CPB President Fleming experts met at NASA Headquarters in to take advantage of them. on ways of providing public broad­ the District, where personnel and fa­ It was all part of an April 13, casters with political insulation. And cilities (cameras, microphones,' etc.) 1979, demonstration of satellite capa­ so on. The Raleigh legislators and are available for such conferences. The bilities arranged for members of the other officials who participated dem­ video and audio signals were transmit­ General Assembly by the Task Force, onstrated an awareness of the many ted from NASA's earth station to the in cooperation with UNC-TV (which important telecommunicationNelated Canadian Communications Technol­ provided Raleigh video services), issues which North Carolina has to ogy Satellite, in orbit 22,300 miles through the facilities of the Public plan to address. over the Pacific. The signal was then Service Satellite Consortium, an or­ The Washington participants be­ retransmitted to NASA's Portable ganization contracting for satellite ser­ gan th~ proceedings with brief state­ Earth Terminal, a converted city bus vices to public agencies (which coor­ ments. Congressman Rose, as noted, which serves as a mobile earth stationl dinated technical matters) and NASA called for North Carolina to seek control center for videoconferences, (which provided a portable satellite means of coordinating its telecommu­ and which was parked outside the earth terminal and studio facilities in nications services and facilities so that General Assembly building for the pur­ Washington). By any measure, the the state can meet the technological, poses of this application. videoconference was a resounding regulatory, and marketing changes of The videoconference demonstrat­ success. the future. NTIA's William Lucas ed that telecommunications can be Witnesses assembled in Washing­ praised the work of the Task Force in used in innovative ways to provide ton at NASA headquarters' videocon­ identifying telecommunications ex­ important services that may have not ference studio included Representative penditures, noting that some 10% of been hitherto available. Moreover, Rose, who served as Was~.il' :;;.on mod- $60 million estimated as an annual satellite videoconferencing could result 48 in cost savings over conventional substantial increase in participa. -A 1976 study by M. Tyler et al. means of holding meetings. Factors to tion likely for such conferences indicates that up to 53% of all be considered include: when travel is avoided. business meetings in the United The general applicability of satel­ Kingdom could be conducted via -Thc number of participants and lite videoconferencing as a means of videoconferencing. the distance separating them. Gen­ saving time, travel, energy, and money It is apparent that the general erally, the morc participants, and should increase as satellite costs de­ cost-effectiveness of teleconti!rencing the more travel aVoided, the crease. The National Research Coun­ will grow. The April 13 videocon­ greater the saVings. cil's 1978 report, Telecommunications ference was a valuable exercise for -Honoraria or per diem pay­ for Metropolitan Areas: Opportunities North Carolinians on many counts: ments. A videoconference can re­ for the 7980's, includes a review of legislators were able to gain valuable duce the time away from a job various studies of the substitutability information from Washinp,ton experts; considcrablYi usuallY, such fees of telecommunications for travel. North Carolina demonstrated that it~ would be waived entirely when a Among the findings: leaders are very much av.'are of and participant's time away from -The National Academy of En­ deeply concerned about the changing work is reduced from a full day to gineering ha~ estimated that some telecommunications picture; and all of an hour or two. 85% of all travel is fer the purpose the participants were able to exper­ -Production costs. PSSC and of exchange cf inf()rmation; a:;­ ience an exciting new servic0 offered NASA curently offer their services counting for social visits and other through the emerging technology of at extremely favorable rates. These recreational travel, about 15% of communications satellites. Finally, it rates vary with other producing all travel is susceptible for substi­ was also an historic occasion: The organizations. Studio equipment tution by telecommunications. April 13 demonstration was the first and services, provided at no addi­ -A study by J. M. Nilles et al. linking of the leadership from both tional cost for the April 13 dem­ (1976) estimates that replacing houses of a state legislature with fed­ onstration by UNC-TVand NASA, 1% of all urban commuting by eral agency wi tnesses in the nation's must be taken into accpunt. telecommunications would save capital. -Travel and energy costs, conven­ over 5 million barrels of gasoline ience to the participants, and the annually.

Videoconferencing: A full house of attentive legislators listened to telecommunications experts such as Federal Communica­ tions Commissioner Anne Jones (on monitor) answer questions from a panel of Raleigh General Assembly leaders. The panel' included (from left) Lieutenant Governor James C. Green; Task Force Chairman Herbert L. Hyde; Senator Harold W. Hardi­ son, Chairman, Appropriations; Senator Kenneth C. Royall, Chaic'nan, Ways and Means; Representative Edward S. Holmes, Chairman, Appropriations; and Senator Marshqll A. Rauch, Chairman, Finance. ------

CHAPTER III: Laws and Regulations

Executive Order 18 noted that "there are adminis­ divided between the state and federal governments. Micro­ trative, legislative, and regulatory changes taking place a-:: wave transmission and commercial television and radio the Federal level wh;_ch can increase funds available to broadcasting are sub ject primarily to regulation by the fed­ North Carolina for telecommunications." It instructed eral government through the Federal Communications Com­ the Task Force "to consider how citizens' rights can best mission (FCC). Local microwave transmissions for two-way be provided for ;n the teleco"'-' .;nications activities of the radio systems have been primarily under the jurisdiction State, including the right to privacy, (and) the right of of state regulatory commissions, once the FCC has made a public access to information." The Task Force was in­ frequency allocation. The regulation of common carrier in­ structed to recommend "administrative, legislative, and dustries, principally the telephone, has been split between regulatory modifications" to the Governor. the FCC, which regUlates the industry structure, and the To meet these objectives, the Task Force formed a states, which regulate service rates. Cable TV has been regu­ Panel on Laws and Regulations, which kept abreast of na­ lated by the FCC, with certain regulatory functions left to tional, state, and local legal regulatory developments. In state and local governments. This split regulatory jurisdic­ addition to considering broad movements, the Panel fo­ tion was generally affirmed by the state and federal courts cused on two issues especially important to North Caro­ until the late 1960's. At that time, federal court decisions linians: (1) whether the state should enter into regulation in the areas of common carrier competition and cable regu­ of cable television systems; and (2) what the state can do to lation began to redefine regulatory powers and jurisdiction­ protect citizens' rights to privacy and access to information. al division. The result of these decisions has been the erosion These concerns are treated in depth in separate sections of the monopolistic format in common carrier services and later in this chapter. the creation of competition between broadcast and ouole television. The Shifting legal Framework An equally significant catalyst for change has been the new technological developments of the m id-1960's-the ad­ Telecommunications planning in recent years has been vent of microwave technologies, satellite systems, fiber especially complicated by the shifting framework of tele­ optics, coaxial cables, and so forth-which have opened new communications law. The legal and regulatory aspects of markets for telecommunications services that do not fit telecommunications issues are numerous, often complex, into the traditional regulatory framework. For example, and currently the subject of intense national debate. They the advent of commercial domestic communicationsjsatel­ involve questions of the government's role in regulation of lite services is being accelerated by policies of govern­ telecommunications and encouragement of the develop­ mental deregulation and the improvement of sateH ite tech­ ment of new systems and facilities, as well as of the gov­ nologies. These technological developments have brought ernment's acquisition and management of its own telecom­ about new service options while lowering co~ts for almost munications systems. all telecommunications services. The current regulatory In the past) under the Communications Act of 1934 structure has achieved basic universal service for telephone and the Commerce Clause of the Un ited States Constitu­ users at the price of a guaranteed income for telephone tion, regulatory authority for telecommunications has been companies in the form of a rate of return on investment.

49 50

However, the competition created by technological changes with State educational television and radio agencies as in common·carrier services has caused a re·evaluation of the appropriate." Thus, federal policy favors comprehensive governmentally insured service costs currently in place. telecommunications planning and allows for a wide variety The roles of federal) state, and local go·vernment in the of applicants. The planning requirement and the broaden­ regulation of various telecommunications s~rvices are cur­ ing of groups eligible for receipt of federal funds will be rently being reconsidered on a national level. The United significant factors in North Carolina's telecommunications States Congress may revise the 1934 Communications Act, future. Provisions for public television and radio include an which for decades has been the legal framework for this appropriation of $121 million in 1978, rising incrementally nation's telecommunications. Several proposed bills have to $220 million by 1983. Another $1 million has been set been put forth I and predicting the final shape of the rewrite aside for demonstration projects to promote innovative is probably futile. But whatever revisions of the Communi­ uses of telecommunications. cations Act are enacted, the regulatory jurisdictions and functions of the federal, state, and local governments in Other Proposals telecommunications will be realigned. Issues being dis­ cussed for the rewrite effort include the following ques­ New legislation concerning governmental acquisition, tions: storage, and use of data on individuals is also being con­ -Should c(Jmmercial users of the frequency spectrum sidered by Congress. The increasing use of communications be assessed a usage fee? Should regulation of broad­ and information systems is profoundly aFfecting both the casting be relaxed? substance of the law and legal procedures. The substantive -How can the federal government improve the alloca­ issues of privacy and access to information are discussed tion, assignment) and authorization of use of the later in this chapter. But the impact of telecommunications radio frequency spectrum? on legal procedures is also potentially great. Legal systems -To what extent, if at all, should telecommunications are founded on information-the facts of a specific case, industries be deregUlated? the reasoning of court opinions, the records of legal trans­ -To what extent, if at all, and by whom) should the actions, the language of statutes and regulations, and so on. cable television industry be regulated? The very manner in which state and county governments -How can government encourage and assist growth in operate their court systems, maintain and document their rural telecommunications? legal records, and record their statutes, ordinances, and -What revisions, if any, should be made in the adminis­ opinions is likely to be revolutionized by new informa­ trative structure of federal telecommunications regu­ tion management systems. These systems may bring new btion? efficiencies to the traditionally slow and tedious daily business of legal systems. The capability of law enforce­ The New Financing Act ment agencies to acquire and rapidly process more and more criminal information may dramatically increase the Another major legal development on the federal level effectiveness of those agencies-but this capabil ity may has been the passage of the Public Telecommunications raise serious new problems in preserving constitutional Financing Act of 1978. Any discussion of this Act might and procedural rights and protections as well. well begin with noting that, in previous years such a law Reorganization of federal administrative and regulatory would have been called a "Public Broadcasting Act." It telecommunications agencies is sure to have important im­ is apparent .that, just as North Carolina through this Task plications for state planning. The Department of Health, Force has chosen to look at telecommun ications compre­ Education, and Welfare'S Office of Educational Broadcast hensively, so i5 the federal government recognizing the Facilities, a source of much federal telecommunications blurring of distinctions among technologies. The 1978 Act facilities funding, has been moved to the National Telecom­ allocated $40 million, which will provide three federal dol­ munications and Information Administration in the Depart­ lars for every applicant dollar, "for the construction of ment of Commerce and retitled the Public Telecommunica­ public telecommunications facilities." Appl icants may tions Facilities Program. Numerous proposals have been be public broadcasting stations; "a noncommercial tele­ made about other possible reorganizations, including those communications entity"; "a system of public telecom­ for the abolition or severe curtailment of the Federal Com­ munications entities"; nonprofit groups organized for munications Commission (FCC), and for the creation of an edul.dtional or cultural purposes; or "a State or local gov­ independent national telecommunications agency. ernment (or any agency thereof) or a political or special purpose subdivision of a State." The new Financing Act Impact on North Carolina also requires that applicants have participated Hln com­ prehensive planning for such public telecommunications These and other legaljrebulatory proposals and actions facilities in the area (to be served} ... (including) an at the federal level could have significant impact on North evaluation of alternate technologies and coordination Carolina. State planners must take into account federal 51, policies for the financing of telecommunic~tions facilities agreement on what the proper state regulatory role should to ensure that North Carolinians will be able to obtain their be. fair share of federal funds. Communications Act revisions In the remaining states, including North Carolina, cable include proposals for increased deregulation of telephone is regulated in varying degrees by local governmeht. The and cable industries, and for increased competition in result is an even more divergent patchwol'k of rules, data transmission and other telecommunications industries; policies, and rates. Local governments in North Carolina other legislation proposes new definition of currently write frunchise agreements that set rates, establish other clouded privacy/access issues. All of these proposals require financial conditions, typically require certain portions of response at the state level. The bills now before Congress the service area to be cabled within a given period of time, need North Carolina's immediate attention in order to en­ and often make other requirements of the companies. (The sure that proper state and local government functions will City of Durham's franchise agreement with Durham Cable­ be preserved or created. When new federal laws are passed, vision requiring the employment of a full-time staffer to there will be a need for state government to move ahead coordinate local production services is examined in an ar­ with neW policies based on the new requirements of these ticle accompanying this chapter.) statutes and subsequent regulations. Within this state of The proposed revisions of the new Communications flux, there are issues that require continuing study. The Act would redefine the regulatory relationships between following sections outline some legal and regulatory issues these three levels of government and may well shift the which should be addressed by an effective mechanism in principal regulatory burden to state and local govern­ state planning. ments. Because the scope of future federal regulation is uncertain, the role of any potential state jurisdiction is still CABLE TELEVISION IN NORTH CAROLINA unclear. The Task Force examined cable regulation by other states, but found no evidence that state regulation The Task Force's exam ination of the state's interest in serves the needs of local communities any better than the cable television began with the question of whether North current locally-based system in North Carolina. Nor did Carolina should follow the 11 other states that now regu­ the Task Force discover any existing problems that de­ late cable TV, The Task Force studied federal, state, and mand immediate state regulation. But bills now before Con­ local regulatory procedures. gress suggest major changes in the regulatory roles of the various governments. Therefore, careful study of any new The Regulatory Pattern federal legislation in' telecommunications is absolutely mandatory before the question of state regulation can be The history of the federal regulation of cable television finally resolved, has been both confusing and restrictive of the growth of the industry. Federal reglJlatory policy has generally been pro­ Statewide Concerns tective of the broadcast television industry at the expense of cable systems. In the mid-1970's, however, the federal Aside from the question of regulation, the state does courts began to reverse the FCC's restrictive regulations and have two areas of interest in cable television: one) the to permit cable systems, especially pay-cable services, to potential Use of cable systems to meet public service needs; become more economically" competitive. The FCC has and the other, the need for a minimum standard of quality regulated the number of distant signals that a system for cable service. may import, and establishes technical standards and guide­ These concerns were evident in a survey conducted for lines. Until the recent Supreme Court decision {Midwest the Task Force by the North Carolina League of Munici· Video vs. FCC\ ~truck down the regulation, the FCC also palities. Officials of the 43 North Carolina cities with a required that cable systems serving over 3,500 subscribers population over 100,000 were asked the following ques­ provide a public access channel for local use. This decision tions: -~, has significant implications for the issues discussed by the 1. If the state developed innovative programm ing ideas Task Force. It exemplifies the current state of flux in tele­ for the public access channels on cable systems, would communicat:ons laws and regulations. the cities be interested in using til is programming? The history of state regulation of cable has followed a 2. If the state developed and offered technical assis­ checkered pattern. Only 11 states currently regulate cable tance to the municipalities in the area of cable TV at the statewide level, some by a Public Utilities Commis­ franchising, would the cities be interested in and take sion, and others through a Cable Television Commission. The advantage of such assistance? regulatory policies pursued by those commissions 'have di­ Responses came from 34 of the 43 cities. The response vergent legal and philosophical grounds. The result has been to the questioh about using programming developed by the that from state to state cable is regulated for different pur­ state for public access channels was unanimously favorable poses, with different results. There are different rat~ struc­ -so long as there would be no state requirement that such tures for essentially the same services because of a lack of programming be carried at the local level. The responding 52 cities were also unanimous in giving an affirmative answer require at least a 20-channel capacity; to study the poten­ to the second question. They expressed a defin ite need for tial uses of interactive cable systems -that allow nearly in­ expert assistance in dealing with technical aspects of fran­ stantaneous two-way communications; and to study the chisingand regulation. potentIal problems of future point-to-point data commu­ nications via cable systems. Such problems may be both Public Access and Local Programs technical and legal, with particular impact on individual rights to privacy and on the possibility of data theft. The former federal requirement for a public access channel on any cable system serving over 3,500 subscribers Cable in Rural Areas established a substantial service delivery system in over 120 North Carolina communities currently enjoying cable ser­ One particularly important concern for North Caro­ vices. But public access channels in this state have been lina is that rural areas are not adequately served by cable. largely an underutilized resource. The response to the Task The economies of cable make operation in areas of concen­ Force/League of Municipalities survey indicates that local trated population reasonably lucrative, but, in sparsely government officials would like the state to work with populated rural areas, generally unprofitable. A related them and with cable operators to develop better franchise problem arises from the fact that both city and county gov­ agreements and better programming for use in the delivery ernments make franchise agreements with cable operators; of public services. a county franchise which is excluded from the more dense­ The Task Force considered tw'o possible means of fos­ ly populated city areas may not be economical. These tering the growth of local programming capabilities: en­ problems, crucial in a state striving fo· balanced growth, couraging the formation of citizen advisory groups to work merit continuing study. In its September, 1978, meeting with local and state government, as well as cable operators the Task Force discussed the possibility of a government­ (and perhaps with operators of other telecommunications ally subsidized low-interest loan program for the develop­ distribution systems); and contracting for leased channels ment of cable systems in rural areas. Were such a program for public service programs. Advisory groups could serve as to be developed, the loans might be made to any group. liaisons to obtain public service programming, encourage capable of delivering the desired services, whether a cable local production, and help solve problems in the relation­ company or a rural telephone company. Should the FCC ship between the cable company and local government. or the Congress permit telephone companies to provl .. :e In addition, cooperative agreements could be reached for broadband or cable services, then careful examlnU~IQn cable companies to distribute public service programming should be made of requiring telephone companies that over leased channels, with local and state government com­ provide cable TV services to obtain a local franchise so that pensating the systems on a contract basis. all cable systems will meet the same locally created stan­ Throughout its discussion about helping localities ob­ dards. (t should be noted that there has already been some tain public service programming, either from their own lo­ movement in the direction of allowing cable services to be cal efforts or from elsewhere, the Task Force was mindful delivered by telephone companies: the Carter Administra­ that a great opportunity for extending services to the tion is going forward with loans for rural cable TV ser­ people exists on cable channels. But the Task Force was vices through the Farmers' Home Administration, the Con­ equally mindfUl that cable channels are only one of many gress is considering development of a loan program for ways of distributing programming services to the people. rural telecommunications services under the Rural Elec­ trification Administration, and the FCC is studying the Technical Assistance possibility of allowing rural telephone companies to pro­ vide broadband services. The survey conducted by the League of Municipalities for the Task Force also revealed that local government Conclusions officials would welcome assistance in technical and fran­ ch ising aspects of cable operations. Local govern men ts, The lack of any formal Task Force recommendation the Task Force concluded, should continue any appropriate for state regulation of cable should not suggest that the rate-setting functions, but there is a need for consistent state has no interest in these systems. Local officials have standards of technical quality throughout the state, and expressed pronounced interest in state assistance with pub­ this is where state government can help the localities. In lic service program development for leased and other cable view of the possibility that cable systems in the future channels. Local governments also need assistance in techni­ might be interconnected, local governments need advice cal and regulatory matters to help ensure responsive service during the franchising process so that technical standards and the capability of interconnection of systems. The state that are economically reasonable and practical will be also has an interest in seeing that all its citizens, whether adopted. Furthermore, the state may wi~h to study the they reside in urban or rural areas, have access to telecom­ bellefits of encouraging all cable franchise agreements to municated services, including cable, insofar as that is one 53 important current distribution technique. The possibility local governments to use tht:: data collected at all levels of state, local, and private cooperation in developing of government. These new federal initiatives are sure to these resources deserves to be explored. have substantial effects on individual rights and protections. In the private sector) the new "information era" has resulted in massive data collections on individuals' day-tn­ PRIVACY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION day activities. Credit reports, health records, eduC<1tional records) and so on, are regularly gathered and may be Individual liberties may be threatened by some appli­ accessible to agencies and personnel other than those for cations of telecommunications. The era of electronic data whom they were intended. Equally critical is the growing collection and transfer in particular presents constant chal­ problem of computer theft. As ban ks, for example, increas­ lenges to traditional legal rules in matters of individual pri­ ingly' conduct business through data transferral, the possi­ vacy and freedom of (access to) information. During the bil ity of major crimes increases. Currently data transferred Task Force research, members were confronted by such by longlines or cable is neither regulated nor secure. questions as: The rise in data theft presents more than just a chal­ -What information on individuals is it proper for gov­ lenge to oUr criminal justice system. The state cllrrently ernment agencies to maintain? sponsors a multiplicity of programs to train computer -Who should have access to this information? operators in high schools, community colleges, technical -What guidelines should be established governing the institutes, colleges, and universities. The skills enabling consolidation of previously separate data bases? these students to use computer technology to earn a living -How much of the information maintained by gov­ also, unfortunately, may enable them to Use computer tech­ ernment agencies should be opened to public inspec­ nology for unethical or illegal purposes. Because there is tion1 little definition of what constitutes unethical or even -Is an electronic impulse legally defined as personal illegal Uses of clata, these graduates of state institutions property? Can such an impulse, which represents in­ may, wittingly or unwittingly, transgress the rights of in­ formation, be stolen, copyrighted, etc.? dividuals or state or federal laws. Th is issue and many other concerns demonstrate that the new information era has Intertwil'ling Considerations serious social implications beyond the obvious curren t legal conflicts. The legal doctrines of privacy and of freedom of in­ formation are closely intertwined in the problems of data collection and access, particularly in the processes of gov­ The State Response ernmental data collection on individuals. Rights of access to governmental information must be balanced against Privacy and freedom of information laws and regula­ equally important concerns for individuals' rights to pro­ tions have been studied in the recent past both by the Task tection from governmental intrusion and una.uthorized Force and by the Security and Privacy Committee of the dissemination of private information. Similar problems are Governor's Crime Commission. The Chairman of that increasingly evident in private and commercial data collec­ group, Wade Hargrove, was also a Task Force member tion and use. serving on the Panel on' Laws and Regulations. Both groups State and federal laws and regulations concerning the have recognized the need for a means to resolve or mitigate collection, use, and dissemination of governmentally problems created by the application of telecommunications assembled information are not sufficiently consistent to to the handling of personal information. The state should protect individual rights adequately. Conflicts currently study needed statutes, regulations, and practices to protect exist between state and federal laws and among various individuals and businesses from privacy and access problems state laws and practices. The related rules covering access and data theft. The state also needs to be able to respond to to government-held information are also inadequate-an the new federal privacy/access initiatives to ensure that inadequacy emphasized by the impact of computerization. North Carolina's interests are adequately protected. Addi­ New technologies are exponentially increasing the data tionally, state (and private) educational agencies should ..J: collection and storage capabilities of government. They consider developing a professional curriculum on ethics and are at the same time increasing the ease of access to gov­ laws governing data use, processing, and manipulatioJ1. ernment data: more data aTe being stored, but terminals Concerns over individual rights are so paramount in OUr are generally unguarded, unlocked, and uncoded. In prac­ society that they deserve consideration free of any other in­ tice, security is often lax. terests. At present, no agency in state government is suffi­ Finally, new federal legislative efforts-e.g., privacy ciently isolated from data collection activities to be without protection statutes being considered by Congress in re­ vested interest in the rules to be considered. The state needs sponse to the President's Privacy Initiative (a package of an independent, objectiv,~ mechanism to evaluate the con­ privacy-related bills}-may change the ability of state and flicting statutes, regulations, and practices. ------

S4

Conclusions should not at this time enter into cable regulation; but that state assistance to local governments on legal and technical Telecommunications laws and regulations are under­ considerations, and state leadership in developing public going dramatic change at various levels. The efforts at fed­ service programming for cable systems, would be beneficial. eral Communications Act revisions, the passage of new tele­ Privacy and freedom of information matters also require communications financing provisions, possible administra­ continuing state study. It may be necessary to establish an tive reorganizations, and other changes demand a state re­ independent means of providing the continuing study, re­ sponse so that the needs and interests of North Carolinians sponse to federal initiatives, and technical, legal and pro­ may be protected. The Task Force concluded that the state gramming expertise which are desirable. 55 Telecommunications Applications: "BLUE SKIES" FOR DURHAM CABLE USERS

school assemblies, and meetings of the Durham City School Board, Some of the programs are taped for cablecast­ ing during a regular Weekly three-hour Durham City Schools program, Others, like the School Board meetings, are covered live. Perhaps, as some claim, today's younger generation already spends too much time in front of the "tube/' But Mrs. Johnson argues that TV In the classroom is an appropriate education­ al resoUrce because it "creates interest and wakes up the kids.!> Besides, these students spend most of their time on the other side of the television sec. Their cablevision production activities, she says, "help develop initiative, or­ ganizational abilities, technical skills, and language abilities in writing and speaking." The students agree, Says Clarke Egerton III, Senior Program Director of the Club, "I'm getting a lot out of the experience. It's good training for me-I'll be getting into electronics Hillside High School Videotape Club member Tammy McCrae conducts an inter­ when I go to college and eventually view with Person County High School cheerleaders during halftime at a Hillside­ want to work in television as a direc­ Person basketball game. The game was carried live to subscribers over Durham tor." Cameraman William Leathers Cablevision facilities in February, 1979. also agrees; he has already parlayed his high school cable experience into an internship as a technician with a local "Team A will cover the game involves taping a Hillside varsity bas­ television station, and views his work tomorrow, and these are the assign­ ketball game ona Friday night for with the Videotape Club as a stepping­ ments: Camera One-Anthony Lassiter; replay five days later by the Durham stone to what he hopes will be a career Camera Two-Malcolm Rourk; Camera Cablevision Company to its subscribers. in video electronics. For still others, Three-Andre Reams. James and Rob­ This will be one of the last times Hill­ like interviewer Tammy McCrae, the ert will dO' the play-by-play, Tammy side students are to videotape their cablecasting experience is an enjoyable has two half-time interviews, and games, however: within four weeks, hobby while she prepares for a career Paula, you're on as production assis­ Durham Cablevision is scheduled to in biomedical engineering. tant." provide interconnections to the Mrs. Johnson's involvement with It sounds like a television sports school's gymnasium so that the stu­ television production extends into the production director prepping the staff dents can cover subsequent games live. classroom as well. Her first experience for one of those passionately followed Basketball games are only part of Dur­ at Hillside with videotape, in fact, was North Carolina basketball games-and ham Cablevision's locally originated in 1977, when her Journalism \I stu­ it is. But the production director in offerings, and the Hillside production dents produced 55 Minutes: A Period this case is Cheryl Johnston, a busy crew only one of a growing number of at !-lillside High, a news-feature presen­ 25-year-old high . school English Durham citizens' goups producing pro­ tation closely modeled on CBS' 60 teacher- and the staff consists of 25 gramming for the cable system. Minutes. The five-part program, shown teenaged members of the Videotape In existence for only five months, to the school during an a.ssembly, in­ Club at Hillside High School in Dur­ the Hillside Videotape Club has al­ cluded ';t!gments featuring club activi­ ham. ready produced a variety of programs ties, sports, fashions, development of featuring local teenagers. Among the job skills, and editorial commentary. The Videotape Club offerings: a talent show, homecoming "The kids did everything-they wrote activities, football, basketball, and vol­ the scripts, planned the production, The planned television production leyball games, choir and band concerts, ran the camera," says Mrs. Johnson, 56 adding that her newspaper staffers are will follow. Television can therefore be activities in their own communities, planning more "electronic issues" of a highly effective teaching aid. Teach­ the stipulations of the franchise agree­ the HillsIde Chronicle in the future. ers have used films, tapes, slides, and ment between the company and the The response from the students, other other audio

Among the members of the Task Force were Frank Daniels, jr., and Joseph Ross. CHAPTER IV: State Facilities and Systems

Executive Order 18 directed the Task Force to "5ludy Summary of Facilities Survey existing state telecommunications facilities and ... costs in relation to current services ...." The Task Force formed a The Task Force identified 308 existing and 11 planned Facilities Panel and engaged a technical consultant to iden­ telecommunications systems owned or leased by the state, tify, locate, and describe the various state-related tele­ In k~eping with the directive to the Task Force to study communications systems and determine their costs. telecommunications systems and costs in relation to public services, systems were classified both by the type of tech­ FACILITIES SURVEY nology used and by the primary service provided, (See Table 2.) Assignment of a system to a particular service The facilities survey was the first such broad-gauged ef­ co.tegory involved some arbitrary decisions. For example. fort to be undertaken in North Carolina. As a way to begin, community college teleprocessing systems were includr.d the Task Force staff exam ir.\!d the state's 1977-79 budget in the cultural, educational. and information services cate­ to try to identify existing telecommunications systems gory even though many of the data communicated are for and expenditures. Unfortunately, current budget classifi­ administrative and management functions that might just cations do not incl ude clearly defined telecommunications as properly fall under the heading of government opera­ categories. Telecommunications information is often mixed tio/1s. with other categories, such as mail costs and general per­ Perhaps the most striking insight to be drawn from sonnel or administrative functions. Therefore, the Task the Task Force survey is an appreciation of the state's Force's review of the budget had to be followed by an massive investment in telecommunications. Existing sys­ exhaustive survey of telecommunications facilities in tems have, at a minimum, a capital value of over $22.4 general state government, as well as at the 57 community mill ion and a total operating cost of over $45.4 million college and 16 University of North Carolina campuses. each year. (See Table 3.) These preliminary cost estimates Personnel responsible for the operation of telecom­ must be considered to be quite conservative; in its year of munications facilities were either personnally interviewed work, the Task Force Facilities Panel was unable to deter­ or sent a written survey questionnaire with_detailed in­ mine all telecommunicat:'ons costs. The capital value of structions. {See Appendix D.} They were asked to detail equipment is not listed .in the biennial state budget, so facilities and equipment, connections with other systems, survey results were the p,/"imary source of this information. and capital and operating costs.Despite the generally good Because 42% of the que~tionnaires were not returned, and, cooperation of the various agencies, the facilities survey on some that were. cost information was omitted or ques­ was hampered by the lack of a precedent for the Task tionable, the Task Force estimates must be considered Force's work, by some respondents' apparent lack of un­ tentative. derstanding about the systems they manage, and by the It is also important to note that the facilities survey complex and comprehensive nature of the survey itself. As reflects only one point in time. Telecommunications sys­ of March 5, 1979, 185 questionnaire£ of the 319 distrib­ tems are dynamic: new equipment is acquired, different uted had been completed. (See Table 1.) This ~eport pre­ interconnections among systems are established, and sents survey information in summary form; the completed existing systems are brought into use to provide new questionnaires are on file in the Task Force office. services. The Task Force did not .have the resources or

59 60

Table 1 NUMBER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, BY TYPE, AND SURVEY RESPONSE RATE

Systems Information Data Col/ection Information

Total of Estimated Estimated Existing and Survey Percent of Number Number Proposed Sheets Survey Sheets Existing Proposed(a) Systems Completed Cumpleted Telephone Systems(b) .•..•. ' .• 95 1 96 52 54% Teleprocessing Systems .••...•. 73 6 79 63 80% Teletype Systems ...... 7 o 7 7 100010 Radio Broadcasting ...... •.••.. 13 1 14 !J 64% Television Broadcasting ...... 2 o 2 1 50010 Cable Television ...... •...... o o o 0 0% Closed-Circuit Television .•.•.. 38 2 40 10 25% Microwave Systems ...... •...•. 2 o 2 2 100010 Satellite Terminals ..•..••...••. 2 o 2 0 0"10 Two-Way Radio Systems ...•••. 16 1 77 41 53% TOTAL ••....•...... •.... 30B 11 319 185 58%

(a) Indudes major upgrades of existing systems. (0) Indudes facsimile systems.

Table 2 NUMBER OF EXISTING STATE-OPERATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, BY SERVICE CATEGORY

Cultural, £duca- Health and Public Publici tiona I, and Infor- Social Safety Government Government mation Services Services Services Operations Interaction TOTAL Telephone •.••....•.....•..... 77 7 3 5 3 95 Teleprocessing •. '...... •.. 39 10 5 19 0 73 Teletype •••...... •...... 1 4 2 0 0 7 Radio Broadcasting .•...... •... 13 0 0 0 0 13 Television Broadcasting ....•... 2 0 0 0 0 2 Cable Television ...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 Closed-Circuit Televi~ion ...... 35 3 0 0 0 38

Microwave ...... •...... "I 0 0 0 2 Satellite GroundBnk ...... •. 2 0 0 0 0 2 Two-Way Radio •.•.....•...... 28 24 13 11 0 76 TOTAL .•..•.....•...... • 198 48 24 35 3 308

authority to establish a means of continuous updating of ming or through leasing of sub-carrier channels. Some 52 inventory and systems information. cable TV systems are now serving an estimated one million In addition to systems owned or leased by the state, North Carolinians in 123 communities. Further, over 30 North Carolina's total telecommunications complex is aug­ telephone companies are currently operating in North Caro­ mented by a number of public and private systems. The lina urlder the regulation of the Public UtilitiesCommis­ £tate is the location of five major military installations sicn. Finally, earth receiving and sending stations owned by (Coast Guard, Marine, Army, and two Air Force bases), 'pr!vate companies may offer service opportunities for saJel­ with extensive communications facilities and a large num­ lite communi{;;ations, especially for teleconferencing. ber of trained personnel who could help the state in the event of a disaster. Better state liaison with these installa­ Information Analysis tions is required if North Carolina wishes to avail itself of these opportunities. There are also commercial radio and The facilities survey, although incomplete, generated television broadcasting facilities throughout the state, many a great deal of information. To reduce this material to a of which can offer public services through regular program- . more manageable form so that Task Force members and 61

Table 3 ESTIMATED PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS COSTS· (As of June 26, 1978)

Departments Communications Data Processing TOTAL Ir- Services Personnel Plant Value Services Personnel Plant Valud General State GOVL $7,680,371 (a) $4,869,884(c) $16,569,602(d) $9,966,471 (al $10,309,592(c) N.A. $32,826,318 Univer~ity System ... . N.A. 3,007,230(c) N.A. N.A. 7,588,398(c) N.A. 10,595,628 UNC-TV ...... , ... . 640,475(b) 1,415,065(c) 5,833,'99 2,055,540 TOTAL ...... $8,320,846 $9,292,179 $22,402,801 $9,966,471 $17,897,990 Servic:es/Personnel ~ubtotal ...... $17,613,025 $27,864,461 TOTAL ANNUAL COST $45,477,486 TOTAL PLANT VALUE $22,402,801

*Costs do not include figures for electricity, physical facilities, Management System. These costs are understated because they do paper, etc. not reflect beneiits, nor do the job titles and classification codtls NA-Not available. encompass all personnel involved in telecommunications. Also, (a) Costs extracted from the Departmental Accounting System these costs may be overstated by as much as $4 million because (DAS), which does not include the Departments of Revenue or some personnel listed mayor may not be involved in Insurance or the University system. Cost data for these agencies telecommuni<:ations-e.g., "Information and Communications require a file search and manual extraction of figures. Services costs Specialist." do not include (a) communications and automatic data processing (d) This figure reflects plant value for the follOWing systems maintenance costs; (b) communications equipment rental or only: (1) state-operated two,-way radio systems, estimated by an purchase costs; (c) existing piant values. August 1976survey at $13 million; (2) the Highway Patrol Microwave (b) Costs extracted from the Ramsey Comm:\tee Report to the System, at $1.5 million; (3) owned equipment for local telephone North Carolina General Assembly, April 1978. service, at $1.5 million. (c) Costs extracted from the State Personnel Information

staff could analyze and evaluate it, basic descriptive infor­ about all the telecommunications systems of a particular mation on each of the systems was entered in the State agency; completed questionnaires sometimes failed to des­ Computer Center. The reSUlting one-line descriptions in­ cribe a system which was known to belong to that agency. cluded the d~te the questionnaire was returned; the type of Descriptions of the interconl'ections among systems were system (telephoh':, teleprocessing, etc.); tile service cate­ often omitted or incomplete, and estimates of costs were gory (public safety, etc.); the department and agency of often not comparable because of the lack of common agree­ state government; the general purpose ofthe system; major ment about what constitutes a telecommunications cost. equipment (e.g.) number of mobile radio units}; and capital Some of these problems might have been alleviated if per­ arld operating costs. This information about systems was sonal interviews had been used throughout, or if more ex­ then organized in four different ways to hpl;:> answer dif­ planatory material had accompanied mailed survey forms. ferent types of questions. Systems were categorized by (1) Problems of accounting for facilities and major equipment type of technology; (2) service category; (3) state depart­ will almost certainly be reduced as the new uniform Fixed ment operating the system; and (4) operating cost. (The Asset Accounting System is introduced. But the real need complete set of the brief descriptions is on file in the State is for one comprehensive source of information on telecom­ Computer Center under Application Number TQ001. A munications facilities and services so that the potential saV­ printed copy is also available in the Task Force office.) ings and public benefits of coordinated systems may be Examination of the /fone-liners" revealed problems in achieved. The results of the Task Force survey, though in­ eliciting management information about telecommunica­ complete, cal'! be the basis for the continuing effort needed tions facilities and equipment. The survey was necessitated to gather and maintain m'~nagement information. by the current lack of a comprehen~ive inventory. If mana­ gel's are to explore methods to save money or improve ser­ OVERVIEW OF STATE FACILITIES vices by sharing or acquiring compatible systems, they must AND SYSTEMS have access to accurate, current information about the tele­ communications systems and facilities already in use. Telephone Systems No comprehensive inventory exists now, and the Task Force's experience underlines the difficulty of collecting The major statewide telephone system is the Direct the information when it is needed. Respondents often omit­ Access Intercity Network (DAIN) made up of three ele­ ted pertinent information from the survey questionnaires, ments: (1) .leased Telpak circuits (see Map 1, at the end of especially estimates of equipment value. It was often diffi­ this chapter) which, in conjunction with leased Wide-Area cult or impossible to find an individual who had knowledge Telephone Service (WATS), provide long-distance circuits ------

to state government and University system users at a cost of University system users) are being served by the State Com­ about $700,000 annually; (2) the DAIN switching center in puter Center (SCC) operated by the Department of Ad­ Raleigh, operating at a cost of $2 million annually; and (3) ministration in Raleigh. About 44% of the time, the SCC's local telephone services, including provision of actual tele­ computer resources support teleprocessing. Service inter­ phone instruments, key systems (multi-line telephones, in­ views and data collection on planned facilities show that tercoms, and calf-switchingequipmentJ, and local circuits at this mode of operation is continuing to grow. $11 mil/ion annually. (Local telephone services, it should Other general state government computer centers in­ be noted, arc provided for state agencies throughout the clude central processing units at the Departments of Com­ state, not just in Raleigh.) The DAIN system provides ex­ merce, Revenue, Transportation, Correction, and Justice cel/ent and economical voice service to most state govern­ (the Police Information Network-"PIN")' as well as at ment and University system users. Most respondents to some community colleges. (State government and PIN tele­ both services and facilitl"s interviews expressed satisfaction processing are charted on Maps 3 and 4, respectively.) Ex­ with the level of telephone services. However, tighter ad­ cepi for PIN, these computers operate largely in the local ministrative control and education in effective telephone entry mode, but use of remote processing can be expected use could help promote even greater efficiency and reduce to increase. the number of non-business calls by Users. Some agencies, such as the Departments of Human Re­ Additional leased and owned switching equipment and sources and of Natural Resources and Community Develop­ services are operating at University campuses, comm~\Oity ment, have minicomputer systems providing for the special­ colleges, hospitals, and other institutions. Other telephone ized needs of one or more programs (e.g., the Land Re­ services arc operated for the express purpose of furthering sources Information System serves several agencies). In PlJb'icl!~overnment interaction: for example, the Depart­ some cases, these minicomputers also provide administra­ ment of Human Resources' CARE-LINE is an IN-WATS ser­ tive and financial data services for management. The vice through which both the general public and employees abundance of independently operated computer systems of health or social service agencies j';an obtain information suggests the need for objective, case-by-case evaluation of about service agencies in the state. There is a need to study the relative merits of centralized vs. decentral;Led comput­ the feasibility of a state information center which would ing services. consolidate the existing IN-WATS services. The state's schools and universities receive data ser­ Any planning about state telephone service must take vices from the Triangle Universities Computing Center, the into account the fact that there are over 30 telephone com­ North Carolina Educational Computing Service, and the panies currr.ntly operating within North Carolina. (See School Computer Corporation of Raleigh, which provides Map 2.) The Public Utilities Commission is the primary both administrative and educational services to public state body with regulatory jurisdiction over these com­ school systems. Additionally, all University of North Caro­ panies. But the state relationship to the phone companies lina campuses have or plan to have computer systems or also involves other concerns: for example, the telephone remote terminals on campus providing administrative and system is widely viewed as the basis of provision of publ ic academic services. (Educational teleprocessing is charted safety services. Currently, state and local agencies are in­ on Map 5.) volved in an effort to establish the uniform emergency A number of lmportant conclusions may be drawn phone number 911 in many localities, a fuller discussion of from a review of North Carolina's large investment in which can be found in Chapter II-C. Clear/y, state and local computer systems. First, the trend clearly appears to be officials must work closely with these telephone companies toward mure teleprocessing and less local entry. (See for the provision of 911 and many other services. Table 5.) Second, it is unclear to what extent these systems Table 4 lists excerpts from the one-line descriptions should remain separate. The sharing of computer informa­ compiled by the Task Force of state-funded telephone tion and teleprocessing systems needs to be examined in systems. light of management needs, cost effectiveness) and emerg­ ing technologies. The coordination of data bases and the Teleprocessing Systems interconnection of r,omputers could provide improved ac­ cess to information for all users (with appn'Jriate attention Whenever computers are linked together or to remote to issues of security and privacy); but standardization of terminals in a mode called teleprocessing, telecommunica­ formats and computer language would be required and tion is involved. Strictly local data processing is giving way could be costly. Third, personnel training and management to illcreased use of remote terminals. While the facilities of computers varies widely across the state; standardization survey was aimed primarily at collecting information about of job titles, descriptions, and personnel training is needed teleprocessing, the Task Force inevitably also gathered to gauge telecommunications operating costs accurately. some data on all aspects of computer use, inclUding applica­ The Department of Administration's Management Systems tions which are, for the present, strictly local. Division has been working towards resolving many of these Many general state ?;ovemment departments (non- concerns. Finally, the potential for saving money through 63

Table 4 ONE-LINE DfSCRIPTIONS OF SEVERAL TELEPHONE SYSTEMS

Ref. Plant Annual Date Type Cat. Dept. General Purpose Item Count Status Value Cost 08/78 Telephone AD US Pembroke State Centrex PBX 1 $ 46,728 Campus Centrex Telephones 175 08/78 Telephone AD US UNC Wilmington Telephones 388 LeaSed 8~,994 Admin. Telephone System 08178 Telephone AD US UNC Asheville Telephones 169 Leased 37,966 Admin. Telephone System Centrex 08178 Telephone AD US UNC Charlotte Telephones 1,693 Leased 240,!l<;9 Admin. Telephone System Key System 67 08/78 Telephone AD US Western Carolinil Univ. Telephones 2,100 Leased 285,202 Admin. Telephone System Centrex 08/78 Telephone B DHR Lenox Baker Children's Telephones 21 Leased 9,717 Hospital Telephone System Key Systems 2 07178 Telephone BA DHR IN-WATS Calls per Year 33,000 Leased 212,000 CARE LINE SERVICES Circuits Full Time 4 06/78 Telephone C DCCPS IN-WATS Calls per Year 15,480 Leased 8,760 Highway Patrol Emergency Circuits Full Time 2 06/78 Telephone D DOA Local Telephone Service $1,500,000 11,000,000

"One-liners" collected as part of the survey of state facilities Department, lists the department of general state government­ and systems. This table shows one-liners detailing information on 9 e.g., DHR or Department of Human Resources-or designates a of the 95 telephone systems supported by state funds. The first system as controlled through the University System (US). The fifth column, Reference Date, gives the month and year that the column, General Purpose, gives the name and purpose of the information wa~ received. The second column, Type, gives the kind system. The sixth column, Item, lists some major pieces of of system surveyed-in this case, telephone systems. The third equipment comprising the system. The seventh column, Count, column, Category, gives the kinds of uses of each system by service tells the number of items listed in column six. For example, CARE­ category. For example, Pembroke State University's telephone LINE (line 7), the Department of Human Resources' IN-WATS system (first listing) is categorized as supporting cultural, information/referral service, has 33,000 calls per year over fourfull­ educational, and information services (Category A) and internal time leased circuits. The eighth column, Status, shows whether the management services (Category D). Other service categories used system is owned or leased. Leaders in this or any other column Were: healthlsocial services (B); public safety services (C); and means that respondents did not provide the requested information. services furthering public/governm~nt interaction (E). The ninth column, plant Value, applies to owned syStems, in whole Classification of systems into service categories was somewhat or in part, and shows the net worth of the state-owned system. The arb,trary; in general the first letter listed in a system providing dual tenth column, Annual Cost, shows reported annual expenditures services reflects the primary use of the system. The fourth column, for operation of the system.

shared use of transmission facilities needs to be examined. Radio Broadcasting The use of the new packet-switching technology might allow several agencies to share a single data transmission Non-commercial radio stations operate in many North network more economically than the leasing of separ~te Carolina communities. (See Map 6.) With the exception of data lines. WUNC-FM (Chapel Hill), a full-service public station, pub­ lic/educational radio broadcasting facilities in North Caro­ Teletype Systems lina operating on state funds are primarily student-oriented 10-watt stations, providing both entertainment for the pub­ Teletype sifstems are a relatively small portion of the lic and training for the student staff. (There are two other state's overall telecommunications investment. Of the seven full-service, Corporation for Public B~oadcasting·quaHfied teletype systems reported to the Task Force, two provide radio stations in North Carolina. One [WFDD-FM] is li­ public safety services in fire control and civil preparednessi censed to a private university, Wake Forest, and the other another is a news service terminal at Lenoir Community [WVSP-FMJ is licensed as a community station to an in­ College; and the other four are telephone-teletype systems dependent community board in Warrenton.) Under current serving the hearing-impaired at the campuses of the North FCC directives, the 10-watt stations, many of them campus­ Carolina School for the Dea.f and throlJgh the Department based, will have to increase their transmitter power substan­ of Human Resources' CARE-LINE. It appear)) that the use tially in order to retain their frequency allocations. This of teletype systems is being replaced by video-display data raises the. policy issue of whether the state, through the terminals in most cases, although at this time teletype may University wstem or Department of Community Colleges, be more affordable for Use by the hearing-impaired. should make the investments necessary to retain these sta- 64

Tahle 5 ONE-LINE DESCRIPTIONS OF SEVERAL TELEPROCESSING SYSTEMS =, Ref. Plant Annual Dale Type Cat. Dept. General Purpose Item Count Status Value Cost 09/78 Teleprocessing A CC Durham Technical Institute Terminals 1 $ 218,000 $ 36,516 Instructional CPU at TUCC 06/78 Teleprocessing A DOED Public Instruction Terminals Remote 51 142,800 School Computer Corp. CPU Raleigh 05/76 Teleprocessing A DOED Public Instruction Terminals Local 29 225,206 CPU SCC Raleigh 09/76 Teleprocessing A US East Carolina Univ. Terminals Remote 2 4,000 3,630 SOLINET Library Cataloging CPU Ohio 06/78 Teleprocessing. A US Triangle Universities Terminals 125 4,200,000 Computation Center (TUCC) CPU Res. Triangle pk. 1 11/78 Teleprocessing A US UNC Chapel Hill Terminals 200 100,000 105,164 Research & Instruction CPU on Campus 08/78 Teleprocessing AD CC Cape Fear Tech. Institute Terminals 17,493 Instructional & Admin. CPU at TUCC 09/76 Teleprocessing AD CC Cent. Piedmont Comm. Coli. Terminals 1 Leased 19,608 Admin. & Academic CPU at TUCC 10/78 Teleprocessing AD CC Guilford Tech. Institute Terminals 4 Leased 48,243 75,263 Instructional & Admin. CPU (>11 Campus 06/78 Teleprocessing AD US Appalachian State Univ. Terminals 53 250,000 117,296 Instructional & Admin. CPU on Campus

Part of the massive stale investment in remote data processing shows where the main computer (central processing unit) for each (telepmcessing) is shown in this excerpt from the facilities survey teleprocessing system is located. For exmaple, the first listing shows "one-liners." Teleprocessing applicatiolis for educational, cultural, Durham Technical Institute's teleprocessing connection of one and information services (Category A) and administrative services terminal linked to a CPU at the Triangle Universities Computation (Category D) are shown here for various community college and Center at Research Triangle Park. The Task Force identified 73 university campuses, as well as for departments of general state existing and 6 planned teleprocessing systems, and the remote government. Col umn information is the same as that described for mode of computer operation is expected to continue to grow Table 4; but note that the designation "CPU" in column six, Item, relative to local dilta entry. tions. These and other broadcasting stations represent for work distribution facilities are not used during certain off­ the state a potential resourCe which currently is almost un­ hours, such as school hours during the summer and late tapped: sub-carrier authorization channels, wh.ich could be nights all year. If off-hours use of these facil ities by other used for specialized public setvice broadca~ting (e.g., radio agencies were agreed to by broadcast licensees, it might be reading services for the print-handicapped), and are being possible to arrange to broadcast, through high-speed tech­ used now at only one of the non-commercial stations. nologies feeding hours of programs in a matter of minutes, The Task Force's Advisory Committee on Public Ra­ educational materials to be locally stored, recorded, and dio (see Chapter II-A) has employed independent con­ used for later playback at regular speeds at schools, com­ sultants to study locations, frequencies, and other facilities munity colleges, personnel training centers, etc. The costs, for developing full-service public; radio across the state. A benefits, and workability of this possibility need to be ex­ summary of the Committee's report is printed as Appen­ plored. The co-location of the Network's microwave relay dix H. system with that of the Highway Patrol at several sites has resulted in economies for the taxpayer. Additional oppor­ Television Broadcasting tunities for cooperation in using telecommunications fa­ cilities should be pursued, especially in the Charlotte area, There are two public television licensees in North Caro­ where two public television licensees operate. lina: the University of North Carolina Television Network (eight stations), licensed to the Board of Governors; and C.able Television WTYI in Charlotte, licensed to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board, and funded by local and statl'. monies. (See Although the state does not itself operate any cable Map 7.) With a one-time $5.8 million appropriation by the television systems, the existence of commercially operated General Assembly in '1978, UNC-TY appears to have the systems in 123 communities (and an additional 22 commu­ means to solve its past signal-reach problems: virtually all nities with planned or pending systems) suggests the need" North Carolinians should be able to receive a clear public for investigating possibilities for cooperation with these television signal within two years, by which time additional private cable operators to increase and improve the delivery transm itters and translators should be in place. The Net- of public services. (See Map 8.) One possibility is to pro- 65 duce programs of cultural) educational, or informational government, hospitals, community colleges, and University merit for use by cable systems. Another possibility is net­ campuses. working between the various systems so that programs may Many important issues are apparent from the Task be shared. A third possibil ity-based on the fact that cable Force's examination of state two-way radio facilities. systems provide not only video but also aUdio-channels to Perhaps none has been more troublesome for public safety subscribers-is the proposal made to the Task Force during users than the question of frequency coordination. Many its research that voice circuits from Raleigh to the various frequencies assigned to local governments for fire, rescue, companies could provide audio coverage of General Assem­ and other services are not fully utilized or properly co­ bly activities to homes and institutions linked to cable sys­ ordinated for communication among agencies. There is a tems. A final opportunity is for state assistance in pro­ definite need for the state to help in shaping the federal viding public service programming to those cable systems allocation process. The Task Force concluded that some and communities wishing to use it. Statewide liaison with mechanism should be established within state government local cable systems could encourage use of public or educa­ to assist in frequency coordination and management. Ad­ tional programming. The facilities already eXist, and, with­ ditionally, emergency medical services (EMS) communicn­ out attempting to regulate, the state could work with pri­ tions systems require additional assistance and coordination vate companies to make greater use of their distribution to expedite full implementation of thestatejs EMS plan. capacities in the public interest. Microwave Closed-Circuit Television Microwave transm issions systems are used by the High­ Many closed-circuit television systems in North Caro­ way Patrol to interconnect the base stations in its two-way lina serve educational purposes in various universities, com­ radio network and for some telephone connections (see munity colleges, and schools. In addition, hospitals and Map 13); and by the UNC-TV Network (Map 7). These two other institutions, as well as some state agencies, use systems share some tower locations. The Highway Patrol closed-circuit TV. Like other telecommunications facilities) system provides some circuits for Use by other agencies, these are often not fully used. Coordinated or coor::erative such as the Wildlife Resources Commission. The Highway use by more than one agency is hampered by differences in Patrol system, in particular, may provide opportunities for equipment-for example, systems vary as to the width of increased sharing, in that the system is licensed for 360 videotape usted. Standardization of equipment would make channels, while, on the average, only 24 channels are in greater sharing of programs possible. operation 0'; any given segment. Costs of arranging for greater use should be examined against the likelihood of the Satellite circuits actually being put to use, given the remote loca­ tions of the microwave towers. Two earth terminals are operated by public funds in North Carolina-one for educational uses under the Appa­ Other Equipment lachian Educational Satellite Project, serving community colleges in western North Carolina, and the other by UNC­ Audio-visual equipment for the production of pro­ TV to receive Public Service prGgrams. The potential for grams and other media products was considered by the distribution of a wide variety of public services via satellite Task Force in its study. of state facilities and systems be­ is enormous, and further study of these capabil ities is cause those products often are distributed by telecommuni­ necessary. One intriguing possibility discussed by the cations systems. Table 6 reveals the substantial investment Task Force at its October, 1978, regional hearings on emer­ by the state in audio/visual equipment and services over gency communications was a multi-state consortium for twelve months. (These figures are not included in Table 3, sharing satellite services. Estimated Public Telecommunications Costs.) Examination of the one-year cost statistics for audio­ Two-Way Radio visual services reveals that general state government (non­ University) expenditures a;;count for about 70% of the The Highway Patrol, the Division of Forest Resources, total. There is clearly a significant state government invest­ the Wildlife Resources Commission, and the Division of ment in such facilities and services. Audio/visual equipment Highways operate the major statewide two-way radio sys­ purchases and contracts appear to be fragmented. The Task tems in North Carolina. In addition, the Division of Civil Force learned of rarely used or unused audio/visual equip­ Preparedness has plans for and to some extent already ment stored in closets; high costs for preparation of ma­ operates a statewide FM and single-sideband high-frequency terials from commercial services; and the absence of system­ two-way radio system. (See Maps 9, 10, 11, and 12.) The atiCally available; low-cost loan and repair facilities for state numerous other local two-way systems largely provide pag­ government users. The need is clear for audio/visual loan ing, administrative, and security services in general state and low-cost repair capabilities, consolidation of some of 66

Table 6 AUDIO/VISUAL COSTS (FOR oNE YEAR) (As of October 1978)

Total Equipment A V Contracts AV Equipment Video Equipment & Contracts­ July 77~78 Oct. 77-78 July 77-78 One Year General State Gov!. ••• ,. $139,600(a) $1,996,302 $1,309,854 $3,445,756 University System ••..•.• -0- 655:434 561,366 l,226,BOO TOTAL , ...••.•...• , •• $139,600 $2,661,736 $l,B71,220 $4,672,556

(a) I ncludes only contracts for $2,500 or more. Figures on contracts for less than $2,500 are not readily available. the inventory, and a clearinghouse approach to coordinate systems and facilities. Finally, North Carolina needs to plan state government audio/visual investments and use. for effective use of new technoiogies. More comprehensive management control for telecom­ CONCLUSIONS munications facilities will require better coordination with­ in as well as among all agencies of state government. To This chapter's discussion of facilities has proceeded in a suppot'\. purchase/contract decisiohs, there is a need to compartmentalized fashion: specific conclusions about par­ strengthen non-vendor-oriented technical expertise for tele­ ticular systems can be found on the preceding pages. Be­ communications. Coordination is also needed with the cause most of these technologies can be used to deliver dif­ state's property and construction personnel for better site ferent types of services, however, a more untfied view is re­ location for telecommunications facilities, including more quired; many of the particularized conclusions could be co-location of separate systems, and for telecommunica­ easily applied to oth'er telecommunications systems. This tions needs to be incorporated into construction plans. Ex­ section, then, deals with the more general questions of tele­ perts in telecommunications should review budget requests communications facilities management. for new or upgraded telecommunications facilities. Fulfilling the first directive in the Executive Order-to Coordination with the Department of the State Audi­ study eXisting state telecommunications facilities-proved tor is needed in a number of areas. Telecommunications ex­ to be an extremely difficult task and led the Task Force to perts should help design accounting systems so that object one of its first conclusions: there is an imperative need for codes will show total telecommunications expenditures and more comprehensive management control of telecommuni­ resources. For example, the ob ject code "Communications" cations facilitfes and systems operated by public funds, in­ includes both telephone (a telecommunications a.ctivity) cludIng a means of maintaining a continuing inventory of and postage (a non-telecommunications activity). Two-way eXisting facilities. At present, there is no single office in radio, facsimile systems, and audio/visual equipment may state government (except, perhaps, through the temporary be listed under a miscellaneous category or in a number of existence of the Task Force itself) where users can go for other object codes. "Equipment" may include desks or objective non-vendor-oriented evaluation of facilities needs; radios. In short, there is no functional system to account for information about what is already available, and where; for fixed telecommunications assets, yet effective manage­ and for advice on future options in telecommunications ment control demands an accurate, complete accounting of facilities. If North Carolina's goals include promoting all such equipment. efficiency, encouraging sharing, and reducing costs, then There is also a need for a more accurate personnel reliable information on publicly supported facilities must classification system. In many cases, Task Force facilities be gathered, maintained, and made available at a central researchers discovered that job titles and classifications did facilitity. not accurately reflect actual job performance. Telecom­ Once such a data base is established and provisions munications experts should be called upon to help ensure have been made for its continual updating, effective use of that the state has accurate figures for personnei costs in this telecommunications facilities will require long-range plan­ important area. ning in a number of areas. Compatibility of systems is one There is clearly a need -for better liaison with operators such area: the state has already invested millions in systems of non-governmental telecommunications systems, in order which cannot currently share sofLware. Proper planning to explore, for example, possible lease arrangements for use could ensure that incompatibility is avoided in future of facilities such as cable and radio broadcast systems. The purchases and leases, and that steps could be taken to need for a unified view of telecommunications extends be­ standardize and interconnect current systems that can be yond the state government/University of North Carolina made compatible. Planning can also help to coordinate and telecommunications complex to an innovative exploration aggregate user requirements for the most effective use of of all telecommunications options available to the state. 67

Finally, there is a fundamental need for policy makers rural areas; and use of underutilized systems such as broad­ and telecommunications technologists to investigate the cast sub-carrier allthorizations, commercial cable facilities numerous opportunities for improved services, lower costs, for lease, and off-hoUiS broadcast facilities. A complete list and greater efficiencies becoming available through tele­ of opportunities would be, of cOllrse, much longer. A plan­ communications. The Task Force uncovered many oppor­ ning mechanism is needed so that the state can explore the tunities for the state, such as a multi-state consortium ap­ feasibility of sharing eXisting systems, planning Wisely for proach to satellite use for various services; coordinated new systems, using telecommunications as a means of more frequency allocations for fuller use of the spectrum; greater efficient service delivery, minimizing travel and mail costs, use ofthe Highway Patrol microwave relay system capacity, and increasin~ citizen participation in government. possibly as a means of improving government services in

" 0"1 00 Telpak Routes

MAP 1

Cities Served ~Y Telpak Aberdeen Edenton Lenoir Sanford Ahoskie Elizabeth City Lexington Shelby Albemarle Elizabethtown Lillington Siler City Asheboro Eklin Lincolnton Smithfield Asheville Fayetteville Lumberton Southern Pines Ayden Gastonia Marion Spruce Pine Belmont Goldsboro Monroe Statesville Black Mountain Greenville Morehead City Swannanoa Blowing Rock Halifax Mooresville Sylva Boone Hamlet Morganton Tarboro LEGEND Boonville Havelock Mt. Airy Taylorsville" 240 channels leased Burgaw Henderson Mt. Olive Trenton - Burlington Hendersonville New Bern Troy 60 channels leased - Canton Hertford North Wilkesboro Wallace 24 channels leased Cary Hickory Oxford Warsaw 12 channels leased Chapel Hill High Point Pembroke Washington 12 channels planned ---- Charlotte Hillsboro Pittsboro Waynesville Numbers indicate channels actually in use. China Grove Jackson Plymouth Weldon Total channels Clinton Jacksonville Raeford Whiteville Leased-5,028 Used-3,865 Concord Kannapolis Raleigh Williamston Creedmoor Kenansville Reidsville Wilmington Total cost ejllowhee Kings Mountain Roanoke Rapids Wilson Monthly-$ 59,112 AnnuaIlY-$ 709,344 Durham Kinston Rocky Mount Windsor AsofMay8,1978 Laurinburg Roxboro Winston-Salem Rutherfordton Salisbury Operating Areas of Telephone Companies

MAP 2

1. Atlantic Telephane Membership Carp. 17. Pineville Telephane Ca. 2. Barnardsville Telephane Ca. 18. Randalf Telephane Ca. 3. Caralina Telephane & Telegraph Ca. 19. RandalfTelephane Membership Carp. 4. Central Telephane Ca. 20. Saluda Mauntain Telephane Ca. 5. Citizens Telephane Ca. 21. Sandhill Telephane Ca. 6. Cancard Telephane Ca. 22. Service Telephane Ca. 7. Ellerbe Telephane Ca. 23. Skyline Telephane Membership Carp. 8. First Calany Telephane Ca • .of Virginia 24. Sauthern Bell Telephane & Telegraph Ca. 9. General Telephane Ca . .of the Sautheast 25. Star Telephane Membership Carp. 10. Heins Telephane Ca. 26. Surry Telephan~ Membership Carp. 11. Lexingtan Telephane Ca. 27. Tri-Caunty Telephane Membership Carp. 12. Mebane Hame Telephane Ca., Inc. 28. Westca Telephane Ca. 13. Mid-Caralina Telephane Ca. 29. Western Caralina Telephane Ca. 14_ Narfalk Telephane & Telegraph Ca. 30. Wilkes Telephane Membership Carp. 15. Narth State Telephane Ca. 31. Yadkin Valley Telephane Membership Corp. 16. Piedmant Telephane Membership Carp.

Nate: Na. 14 is in the pracess .of merging with 1"0.3. 0'1 \.0 As .of December, 1978. -....J o Teleprocessing-General State Government

MAP 3

0 0 0° 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0° 00 0 o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ° 0 0 0 0 0

0

0

Terminal Locations: Asheboro Elizabeth City Kinston Ridgecrest Asheville Fayetteville Lenoir Roxboro Burlington Gastonia Lillington Salisbury Carthage Goldsboro Louisburg Sanford Chapel Hill Gr~ensboro Lumberton Seven Springs Charlotte Greenville Monroe Shelby Concord Halifax Morganton S"ithfield Cullowhee Hartford Nashville Statesville LEGEND Currituck Henderson New Bern Warrenton Durham Hickory Oxford Washington Central Processing Unit-Main computer (CPU) __ ••.•7 in Raleigh • Edenton High Point Raleigh Wilmington .•••.•••••.••. _ ••.•• _ •.••••••• 1 in Wilmington Winston-Salem Mini-CPU .•••••••••••••••.••••••.••••3 ill Raleigh •

Ttlrminal locations ••.••..•..••..•••••. 180 ir,! Raleigh 0 Not\!: These locations represent only those reported to the Task Force. There are additional ••••..•••.••.••••••••.•••••• 78 in outlying areas locations that were not reported. Teleprocessing-Police Information Network

MAP 4

® CD ®

~®® 2- @ ® ®@ @ CD ® (j)

Central Processing Goldsboro Marion Unit (CPU) Graham Monroe ® Raleigh Greensboro Morehead City Greenville Morganton Terminal Locations Halifax Mt. Airy Selma Ahoskie Hartford Murphy Shelby Albermarle Henderson Nashville Southern Pines Asheboro Hendersonville New Bern Sparta Asheville Hickory North Wilkesboro Statesville Boone High Point Pittsboro Sylva LEGEND Burlington Hillsboro Plymouth Tarboro Chapel HHI Jacksonville Raeford Trenton Central Processing Unit Charlotte Kannapolis Raleigh Troy ;11' Clinton Kenansville Reidsville W"desboJ'O NUmber of tomputer terminals at each location 0 Concord Kinston Roanoke Rapids Wallace Currituck Laurmburg ROGkingham Washington Total number of terminals throughout state: 280 Durham Lenoir . Rocky Mount Waynes"iIIe Elizabeth City Lexington Roxboro Whiteville As of Augu',t, 1978 Elizabethtown Lillington R utherfcrdton Wilmington Fayetteville Lumberton Salisbury Wilson Franklin Manteo Sanford Winston-Salem Gastonia 72 Triangle Universities Computation Center (TUCC) Terminal Locations UNC··Ashcville North Carolina Central University-Durham Caldwell Community College-Lenoir Durham Technical Institute-Durham Winston-Salem State University-Winston-Salem Wake Technical Institute-Durham Gaston College -Dallas Fayetteville State University-Fayetteville !=orsyth Technical lnstitute-Winston-Sa!t:m Pembroke State University-Pembroke Davidson (uunty Community College-Lexington Wilson Technical institute-Wilson Rowan Technical Institute-Salisbury Wayne Community College-Goldsboro Central Piedmont Community College-Lexington East Carolina University-Greenville UNCCharlotte Pitt Tech.nical Institute-Greenville Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System Cape Fear Technical Institute-Wilmington Guilford Technical Institute-Jamestown Coastal Carolina Community College-Jacksonville UNCChapcl Hill Cof!ege of the Albermarle-Ef.izabeth City North Carolina A & T State University-Greensboro Elizabeth City State University-Elizabeth City Richmond Technical Institute-Hamlet A tot",: of tt25 termf;l1als provide access to TUCC Sandhills Community College-Carthage through the North Carolina Educational Computing UNC- Grecnsb,)ro Service. TUCC's CCCltral Processing Unit is owned jointly by UNC Wilmington N.C. State University, Duke University, and UNC­ Chapel Hill'.

On-Campus Computers

Western Carolina University-Cullowhee UNC-Ashevill e Caldwell Community CC!illege-Lenoir Appalachian State University-Boone Central Piedmont Community College-Charlotte UNC-Charlotte North Carolina School of the Arts-Winston-Salem Guilford Technical Institute-Jamestown UNC-Chapel Hill North Carolina State University-Raleigh East Carolina University-Greenville UNC-Wilmington Elizabeth City State University-Elizabeth City

The number of teleprocessing terminals in each location ranges from 3 to 200.

School Computer Services Corporation Central Processir.g Unit Raleigh

Ter:ninal Locations Burlington Cleve!and County Durham City Durham County Kings Mountain ~~~h County Sh~lby Rocky Mount Wake County Wayne County Wilson County Teieprocessing-Education 73 MAP Sa

Triangle Universities Computation Center (TUCC)

LEGEND

Central Processing Unit (CPU) ..•••••• Terminal ••.••.•••••..•.•..• 0 As of September, 1978

MAPSb

On-Campus Computers •• • .. .. •

LEGEND

Central Processing Unit (CPU) ..•••••• As of September, 1978

MAPSc

School Computer Services Corporation

LEGEND

Central Processing Unit. • • • • • • • • •• • Computer term:nal . • • • • • . . • • • .. 0

A$ of September, 1978 Existing Public Radio Stations

MAP 6

••

Primary stations (National FM Broadcast stations Public Radio/Full Service) (Class D) Chapel Hill -WUNC Cullowhee WWCU Warrenton-WSVP Elon College WSOE Winston-Salem-WFDD Fayettevilie WFSS Greensboro WUAG FM Broadcast stations Greensboro WNAA (Classes A, B, C) Greensboro WQFS Asheville WUNF Greenville (Application pending) Asheville WBMU High Point WWIH Boiling Springs WGWG Mars Hill WVMH LEGEND Boone WASU Rockingham WRSH Buies Creek WCCE Salisbury WNDN Primary stations (Full-Service 0 Chapel Hill WXYC Sanford wacc National Public Radio-affiliated) Charlotte WFAE Wilkesboro WSIF FM broadcast stations (Classes A, B, C) • Kinston WKNS Wilmington WLOZ Raleigh WKNC FM broadcast stations (Class D) • Raleigh WSHA Raleigh WCPE As of February 1, 1979 Roanoke Rapids WPGT

~ ______...... n Public Television

MAP 7

~L"""'--""/' . :r'/ WUNF-TV ,--- ~ - --

Transm itters Greenville "'Asheville WUN F-TV Channel 33 KenanSVille >l<>l

North Carolina Cable TV Systems and Service Areas

47 JACKSONVILLE TV CABLE jacksonville Franchises and Communities Served 48 CAROLINA TV CABLE Craven County, New Bern, Trent Woods 1 MURPHY CABLE TV Murphy 49 WINDSOR CABlEVISION Plymouth, Williamston, Wind­ 2 SAMMONS COMMUNICATIONS Black Mountain, Hay- sor wood County, Hazelwood, Swannanoa, Waynesville 50 P..EMBROKE CABLE Ahoskie, Murfreesboro 3 THOMS CABlEVISION AshevIIl1l 51 ELIZABETH CITY VIDEO Elizabeth City, Pasquotank 1\ CLEARVIEW CABLE Burnsville, Yancey County County 5 .AlPINE CASlEVISION Banner Elk, Elk Park 52 OUTER BANKS VIDEO Dare County, Kill Devil Hills, 6 UNITED ANTENNA SERVICE OF BOONE Boone, Wa­ Kitty Hawk, Manteo, Nags Head, Wanchese tauga County 7 BLUE RIDGE CABlEVISION Beaver Creek, jefferson, Smethport, West jefferson franchises Not Yet Operating 8 SULLIVAN CABLE OF NORTH CAROLINA Henderson County, Hendersonville, Laurel Park . MURPHY CABLE TV Andrews 9 MADISON CABLEVISION Marlon, Morganton SYLVAN VALLEY CATV CO. Brevard 10 LENOIR TV CABLE lenoir, Whltnel MOUNTAIN CABLEVISION LTD_ Bryson City 11 WKBC CABLEVISION North Wilkesboro, Wilkes County, ANDREW McKAY Elizabethtown Wilkesboro CABLE ANTENNA SYSTEMS Goldsboro 12 CABLEVISION OF MOUNT AIRY Mount Airy, Surry KINGS MOUNTAIN CABLE TV INC. Kings Mountain County. ALPINE CABlEVISION INC. Newland 13 VISION CABLE OF SHELBY Shelby MADISON COMMUNICATION INC. Old Fort 14 CATAWBA VALLEY-CABLE TV Hickory, Longview OXFORD CABLE TV CO. Oxford 15 SUMMIT CABLE SERVICES OF STATESVILLE States­ RUTHERFORD CABLE TV Rutherford ville 16 YADKIN VALLEY CABLEVISION Arlington, Elkin, SPARTA CABLE TV CO. Sparta Jonesville 17 CASlEVISION OF GASTONIA Bessemer City, Gastonia 18 CABlEVISION OF CHARLOTTE Charlotte Applications Pending 19 CABlEVISION OF SALISBURY Salisbury 20 SUMMIT CABLE SERVICS OF WINSTON-SALEM For­ Asheboro syth County, Winston-Salem Cedar Falls 21 SUMMIT CABLE SERVICES OF THOM-A-LEX Davidson Chapel Hili County I lexington, Thomasville Conover 22 CAROLINAS CABLE High Point Kinston 23 CABlEVISION OF GREENSBORO Greensboro Southport 24 CABLEVISION OF ALAMANCE COUNTY Burlington, Stanley Elon College . 25 ALBERT CABLE TV OF NORTH CAROLINA Hillsboro 26 CABlEVISION OF ROCKINGHAM-HAMLET Hamlet, Rockingham Systems With Satellite Groundlink Receivers 27 SANDHILlS CABlEVISION Aberdeen, ?inehurst, South­ THOMAS CABlEVISION A~h2ville ern Pines CATAWBA VAllEY CABLE TV Hickory, Longview 28 CASS COMMUNITY ANTENNA TV Sanford CABLEVISION OF CHARLOTTE Charlotte 29 ALBERT CABLE TV OF NORTH CAROLINA Apex, SUMMIT CABLE SERVICES OF WINSTON-SALEM Cary, Fuquay-Varina Forsyth County, Winston-Salem 30 CABlEVISION OF RALEIGH Raleigh CASS COMMUNITY ANTENNA TV Sanford 31 CABlEVISION OF DURHAM Durham 32 HENDERSON CATV Henderson, Vance County CABLEVISION OF RALEIGH Raleigh 33 COMMUNITY ANTENNA East Laurinburg, Laurel Hill, CABLEVISION OF DURHAM Durham Laurinburg, Maxton, Robeson County, Scotland County FAYETTEVILLE CABLEVIS/ON Cumberland County, 34 NORTH CAROLINA CABLE TV Raeford, Red Springs, Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, HOPIl Mills, POPIl AFB, Spring lakll St. Paul's TAR RIVER CABLE TV Rocky Mount, Tarboro 35 FAYETTEVILLE CABlEVISION Cumberland County, CABLE TV New Hanover County, Wilmington, Wrights- Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Hope Mills, Pope AFB,Spring Lake ville Beach 36 CABlEVISION OF DUNN-ERWIN Dunn, Erwin JACKSONVILLE TV CABLE jacksonville 37 ALERT CABLE TV OF NORTH CAROLINA Clayton, Garner, Wak~ County 38 ALERT CABLE TV OF NORTH CAROLINA John~ton County, Selma, Smithfield Systems Receiving Satellite Programming via 39 CABlEVISION OF LUMBERTON lumberton Microwave 40 CABLEVISION OF WHITEVILlE-GHADBOURN Chad­ SUMMIT CABLE TV SERVICES OF STATESVILLE bourn, Whiteville Statesville 41 ALERT CABLE TV OF NORTH CAROLINA Goldsboro, CABLEVISION OF ALAMANCE COUNTY Burlingtclm, Seymour Johnson AFB, Wayne County 42 ALERT CABLE TV OF NORTH CAROLINA Wilson Elon Col/ege 43 TAR RIVER CABLE TV Rocky Mount, Tarboro SUMMIT CABLE SERVICES OF THOM-A-LEX David­ 44 ROANOKE RAPIDS TELECABlE Gaston, Halifax Coun­ son COyntY, Lexington, Thomasville ty, Northampton County, Roanoke Rapids, Weldon CAROLINAS CABLE High Point 45 CAROLINA BEACH CABLE TV Carolina Beach, Kure Beach 46 CABLE TV New Hanover County, Wilmington, Wrights­ Source: Cable Television in North Carolina (1978), North Caro­ vll!e Beach lina Center for Public Policy Research, Raleigh, N.C., pp_ 22-23. Cable TV Systems and Service Areas

MAP 8

12- 52. 7

2S I'~ ~2i © 10 15' 21 2~ ® 2 'I @ 42 Iq z'{ 37 2- Q) ® 28 38 41 8 3b 13 27' ®

LEGEND Numbers correspond to the location of cable TV systems, as listed on facing page. System with satellite grounc!link rllceiver 0 System receiving satellite programming via microwave -----7

As of August, 1978.

Population Served Number of Subscribers •.•...•.••..••••••••237,921 Potential Subscribers ..•••.•.•••••••.•.•• .455,758 Population Served •.•.••.••.••.••.•• 1,000,000 (est.)

Highway Patrol Two-Way Radio

MAP 9

F E D c A • I VWV • o • •

9 8

8

H

Terminals Two-Way Repeaters One-Way Repeaters Asheville Baker Bolivia Burgaw Bayleaf Cane Mountain Elizabethtown Buck Mountain Comfort Greensboro Chambers Faith New Bern Elizabeth City Fish Hatchery Newton Hyde Goldsboro Raleigh Jacksonville Hillsboro LEGEND Salisbury Kenansville Jackson ."""" Williamston Meadows Maxton Terminal-Main & Sub Control Stations •.••••. 10 6 Wilmington Mitchell Otway Two-Way Repeaters..••...•••..•.•..•• 13 Pores Knob Oxford e Soco Rocky Mount One-Way Repeaters ••••.•••.•....•...• 14 tt Wine Springs Sauratown Mobile Unit's ..•.••...••...•..•••• 1,448 Wilson Portable Units ..•....•.•...•.••.•... 50 Aircraft Units ..•.••••.••...•.••.•••• 2 Plant value •..•••.....••...•• $8,000,000+ Annual cost •.•...•.•.••...•••. $450,000

As of June 22,1978 Forest Resources Two-Way Radio and Telet)rpe

MAP 10 RII 0-2 R I 0-5 R III

7

14

D-:12

This map is divided into three regions (Rl, RII, Rill) and thirteen districts (D1-D13). 0-3

Forest Service Rockingham Repeaters Lexington Headquarters Rocky Mount Asheville Mt. Holly Raleigh Sylva Columbia New Bern Whiteville Delco Peachtree Regional Office Base Farmville Raleigh (2) Stations Forestry Center or Lenoir Rockingham LEGEND Albermarle State Forest Office Lexington Rocky Mount Asheville Clayton Sylva (two locations) Sylva Forest Service Headquarters ...••.• 1 Kinston Crossnore-Gill State Whiteville ® District division ..••...•••. _ Forest Wilmington ""'" District Office Base Elizabethtown-B laden Teletypes Regional Office Base Station , ..... 4 • Numbers inside districts indicate forest Stations Lakes State Forest towers, county headquarters, and Asheville District Offi~e Base Station ..•... 13 (5 Asheville Goldsboro Burgaw zone headquarters with FM stations. Elizabeth City Hartland-Tuttle State Edenton Forestry Center or State Forest Office. 8 .. Fairfield Forest Elizabeth City Mobile units ••.....•.•.••• 959 Fayetteville Hendersonville-Holmes Fairfield Repeaters ••.••.•••••••••.• 8 Hillsboro State Forest • Fayetteville a Portable units. • • . • . • • • • • • • 179 Lenoir Morganton Hillsboro Teletype half-duplex. . . • • • • • • . . • T Lexington North Wilkesboro-Ren­ Kinston Plant value ...••••.•.• $1 ,400,000 •..•••.. 20 sites, 23 terminals in all Mt. Holly dezvous Mtn. State Lenoir New Bern Forest Annual cost .•••••.•••• $180,000 Regional division .•.•.•.•••... _ As of July 11, 1978 ------

Wildlife Radio Systems

MAP 11

'6 This map shows the existing state-owned Wildlife Radio System and the -----_ ..... planned (to be leased) system. It should also be noted that circuits in­ terconnecting planned Wildlife terminals and repeaters will be provided by the Highway Patrol Microwave System.

Existing Owned Columbia Planned Leased Repeaters Cowee Control Units Delco Apex Enfield Asheville Burgaw Frying Pan Clingman's Peak Dudley Joanna Bald Farmville Lumberton New Bern Greensboro Pineview Greenville Roaring Gap Sauratown Spencer Mountain Hickory LEGEND Existing Owned Planned Leased Salisbury Combined Planned Leased Existing Owned System System Repeaters Slocomb Control Units Williamston Cane Mountain Repeaters 6 l~fJ Henderson Burgaw Wilson McCain Elizabethtown Control Units Mulberry Gap Elkin Hamiet Combined Systems Smithfield Marion Control Unit Existing equipment relocated to new site Uhparrie Mebane Raleigh Repeater(s) controlled by main terminal CO,mbined Systems Morganton Repeaters Rocky Mount WaYnesville As of June, 1978. Ahoskie Wilmar Clingman's Peak ------~~

Civil Preparedness R.adio and Teletype

MAP 12

D B "r .. ... "t' ~ 1/ r;. *' '_.1

FM Radio Teletypes Area B: Area D: Base Stations (half-duplex) Halifax Greensboro r Asheboro Asheboro Henderson High Point AsheviJJe Asheville Louisburg Reidsville Hatteras Lincolnton Roxboro Winston-Salem 11 Lincolnton Raleigh Wilson Raleigh Wallace Area E: Wallace Washington Charlotte Washington AreaC: Concord Alliance Lenoir Burgaw HF SSB Clinton County Stations in FM Radio base stations...•..•...•..•..•. 7 0 Base Stations State FM N!ltwork: Fayetteville Asheboro Area A: Goldsboro Planned County H F SSB base stations •...•.•...... •.•.. 6 OV' Asheville Edenton Jacksonville Stations Lincolnton Elizabeth City Kenansville Newton (Area E) Teletype half·duplex ..•••....••.•.•..•. 6 "=f Raleigh Manteo Lillington Sparta (E) Wallace Plymouth Lumberton Statesville (E) County stations in state FM network .•...... 34 .. Washington New Bern Windsor (A) Swan Quarter Planned county stations ...... 4 ~ Williamston Raeford Winton Supply Plant value ••...•...••..•.•.•.• $131,000 Whiteville ...•..... $500,000 including federal equipment Wilmington Annual cost •...•...... •..... $ 55,000 00 ....I As of June 30, 1978 00 N Highway Patrol Microwave

MAP 13

--'----

Master Station Repeaters with Terminals Raleigh Permitting Local Access Baker Mountain Terminals Cane Mountain Asheville Cedar Creek Elizabethtown Clingman's Peak Fayetteville Duncan LEGEND Greensboro Faith Existing Planned >-.- Greenville Farmville Master Station (Terminal...... •..• 1 0 Hickory Hillsboro Terminal ••..••.•....•.••••••.. 6 2 • Salisbury Shepherd Mountain is Williamston Slocomb Repeater with LID Terminal •.•.....••• 8 3 ® Wilson Wilson Repeater •••.....•.•.•.••.•.... 2 0 e Repeaters Plant value ••...... •.•• $1,500,000+ Archers Lodge BariulTI Springs Annual cost .....•.•...... $168,100 As of June 22, 1978 83

Telecommunications Applications: DAISY-A UNIQUE TEACHING CONCEPT FOR ADULT LEARNERS

A fundamental point that Task the ~lanned Durham Tech system is public participation in them as being Force members encountered during not just broadly informational, it's juvenile; working alone at home allows their year of research is that facilities irBtructional, focusing on learning spe­ an individual the opportunity to re­ and systems can be used in more ways cific "how-to" skills. And DAISY's peat lessons as often as the student than one. One of the most unusual instruction is directed at a task that's wishes without causing other class uses of telecommunications is now in difficult even in a one-to-one class­ members inconvenience; and for Dur­ the planning stages at Durham Techni­ room environment: teach ing adults ham residents, the instruction will be cal Institute (DTI), part of North how to read. free. Carolina's system of community col­ "It has to be unique, almost Thus, the DAISY system; ten tele­ leges. DTI is introducing DAISY (Dial frighteningly so," says the Director of phone lines into Durham Tech, a cen­ Access Instructional SystemL a unique Curriculum for DAISY, Mrs. Susan tral "onsole to be staffed from 9 a.m. teaching concept making use of one of Payne. "No one can really predict if to 9 p.m., and a series of instructional those newfangled, fancy, complex tele­ this is going to work. The lack of per­ cassettes which are to take participants communications devices: the ordinary .sonal contact could prove to be a real from the most elementary prereading household telephone. weakness in the system." But, she is skills to reading competency. The con­ There's nothing unique about quick to add, there are equally strong cept originated with DTI's President, using the telephone to provide infor­ arguments in favor of the learn-bY­ Dr. John Crumpton, says Mrs. Payne: mation services. The Agricul tural Ex­ telephone concept: many adult il­ "He got the idea from the DOLLY tension TELETIP Service, for example, literates cannot attend regular classes system at Central Piedmont in Char­ tells callers who dial its foll·free num­ because of work schedules; others have lotte, but their dial-access facility does ber how to care for roses or how to hidden the fact of their illiteracy so not feature instructional tapes." Mrs. can peaches. Central Piedmont Com­ long that they might risk their jobs or Payne, whose teaching background is munity College's DOLLY phone/tape self-esteem if seen attending such a in elementary education, was brought system in Charlotte helps callers quit class; the basic reading materials are on to develop the taped lessons (or smoking, keep warm, or find jobs. But so simple that many adults associate "modules"). Full implementation of

Innovative teaching blooms at Durham Tech where Susan Payne has headed the Dial Access Instructional System (DAISY). Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation funds were used to purchase the taping and tape-duplicating equipment shown here. 84 the system is expected by summer, DAISY system. Subsequent lessons will have heard of the progn.m 1979. help callers learn to follow directions through radio, TV, and other advertis­ One of Mrs. Payne's concerns is and write the various letters of the ing. The student will then contact DTI the lack of direct personal contact in­ alphabet-"an amazingly complicated for a personalized lesson on campus herent to this type of system. How­ task over the telephone/' according to and obtain printed instru<::tional ma­ ever, she says, "We've tried to build in Mrs. Payne. And though the concepts terials. The majority of tIle instruction a kind of contact. We plan to hire two are clemen tary, each tape takes some from this point will be by telephone, reading assessors to work with the time to explain to the caller the pur­ although Mrs. Payne hopes that it will people who participate by telephone. pose of the lesson: "They may not be possible to test students on campus The assessors will encourage them to care about the purpose/' Mrs. Payne at different intervals to measure prog­ come-.in and be tested for whatever says, "But they are adults. They ought ress. Tutoring for those who wish it reading background they have and be to know what they're doing and why will also be available. given their initial packets of materials they're doing it./I Operating under a $2,000 start-up that supplement the taped lessons." Ultimately, the system will in­ grant for tape production/duplication Designing the curriculum, Mrs. clude hundreds of tapes, but Durham equipment from the Mary Reynolds Payne comments, requires both an Un­ Tech plans to get DAISY rolling by Babcock Foundation (which also pro­ derstanding of the very basic tools the time some 50 fifteen-minute les­ vided start-up funds for the Task needed to read and of the desire of sons have been completed. During day­ Force), and now funded through the adults for a non-juvenile approach. light hours, callers will be able to ask Durham Tech budget, the DAISY sys­ The· prereading tapes, lessons 1-6, for specific lessons; between 9 p.m. tem is moving towards full imple­ teach "basic elementary concepts that and 9 a.m. the ten lines will operate on mentation and could well become a most adults would take for granted./I an automated rotary basis-so that model for systems elsewhere. "We For example, callers for the first callers can dial a specific number and won't know until we've had it going module will be instructed to connect receive one of ten tapes selected for for a while," Mrs. Payne says, "but we lines between common symbols to automated playback. Mrs. Payne hopes do have high hopes for it. It's incredi­ ill ustrate the left-right eye movement to use local newspaper advertising to ble to me that we can teach someone necessary in reading. Two subsequent help area residents determine what to read over the phone-and if we can, tapes give the caller clues for identify­ tapes are scheduled on any particular a creative teacher will be able to come ing objects on their activity sheets to day. up with a million more ways to Use help the caller learn to listen carefully, The average participant, she says, this kind of system." a requirement for success with the CHIt\PTER V: Emerging Technologies

As one of its primary duties, the Task Force was nologies must not be adopted simply because they are new. assigned to "study, evaluate, and inform state agencies Costs must always be weighed against benefits. Such gen­ about new telecommunications technologies and the ser­ eral considerations can be applied in discussion of commu­ vices they deliver, with special emphasis on cost reduction nications satellites, fiber optics, and digital techniques. and the improvement of services to the people." This chap­ ter investigates emerging technologies in three ways: by Communications Satellites looking at a few of the developing technologies that may influence the future shape of telecommunications in Space technology has made it possible to launch a North Carolina; by examining some ofthe important policy communications satellite into orbit 50 that it appears sta­ issues that must be confronted when considering imple­ tionary with respect to 'points on the earth within its 8,000- mentation of any new technology; and by noting specific mile radius area of coverage. In such "geostationary" or­ ways new technologies may affect our lives. bits, communications satell ites have been acting as relays between large terminals on earth. Many telephone and tele­ DEVELOPING TELECOMMUNICATIONS vision channels are relayed both internationally and domes­ TECHNOLOGIES tically via satellite. Until recently most satellite communi­ cations systems were engineered for high volumes of traffic The Task Force's Panel on Emerging Technologies between large earth terminals. In the future, systems will studied both new developments in telecommunications and increasingly be designed to interconnect smaller earth new applications of older technologies. A high point ofthe term inals With larger ones, and eventually with each other. research was an October, 1978, trip by the Panel Chairman, Satell ite technologies have im portant impl ications for Dr. William Ballenger, to three private research/develop­ North Carolinians planning for future telecommunications ment laboratories. Dr. Ballenger reported his findings to needs. One is that a number of satellite communicatior;~ the Task Force at its October 27, 1978, meeting. Among systems are becoming available to reach remote areas (such his concl usions: we are living in the midst of a technological as valleys in mountainous areas) that are difficult or eXpen­ revolution, and North Carolina must have forward-looking sive to reach by terrestrial line-of-sight systems. Another planners poised to take advantage of coming opportunities. consideration: communications satellites equalize the costs Telecommunications technologies are advancing along of transmission over varying distances, Therefore, unlike a broad front, changing the face of telecommunications in a landline telephone services} for example, satellite costs are variety of ways. It is possible to discern several underlying distance-insensitive. Furthermore, satellites can reach many trends in this advance, Telecommunications systems today receiving sites with just one transmission. Use of satellites are in transition from analog to digital {that is} from signals for communications with remote areas of this state could which are in the form of waves to signals which are in the be an attractive option. (South Carolina, a, much smaller form of discrete pulses); from single-purpose systems to state than North Carolina, is' now actively considering re­ multi-purpose systems; and from systems serving only large placing its public television landline distribution network users to systems serving a greater range of demands. The op­ with a satellite-connected system.) portunities presented by technological developments can be Satellites can be particularly useful for multi-point dazzling, yet Task Force members were mindful that tech- teleconferences. Regardless of the number of conferees

85 86 for either audio or video teleconferences, only one sate'ilite government be able to take advantage of vastly greater channel is needed, provided the necessary access and con­ circuit capacities and of greatly increased opportunities for trol methods have been worked out. The distance-insensi­ transmitt.ing many different types of signals. tive cost structure of the transmissions makes satellites a particularly cost-effective means of teleconferencing. Dr. Miniaturization Ba"enger reported that Bell, GTE, and other companies are now cooperating in operation of a demonstration sys­ One of the most significant trends in electronic tech­ tem linking various labs in Florida, Massachusetts, and New nology is miniaturization. The popular notion is of huge Jersey. The system includes videoconference studio equip­ room-sized computers (like HAL in 2001) as the wave of ment (cameras, mizrophones, etc.) and rooftop antennas the future. Just the opposite is true. Today, research scien· from which video and audio signals are beamed to a satel­ tists have developed microprocessors, or "ch ips," that ar'e lite. A complex of such centers across a state could help no bigger than a fingernail-and which have the computing public officials and others save considerable time, travel, capacity of a full-size computer. and energy. The concept is simple. "If you look at a chip under a Finally, at its October, 1978, regional hearings on microscope," Dr. Ballenger says, "you'd see a piece of sili­ emergency communications, Task Force members learned con coated with metallic particles. These particles serve as that two-way radio communication via satellite is especially circuits that electrons can follow-like miniature wi.res." suited to emergency situations. Satellites reduce reliance on Chips with large computing capacities are simply overlaid land-based links that might be damaged in a natural disas­ with a number of materials; at the junctions of the various ter. Satellite links allow users of different frequencies to strata of materials, transistors-places where switching of communicate. Also, satdl ites can provide cost-effective electron flow occurs-are in effect created. Companies communication over great distances. working with microprocessing technology are noW capable of creating integrated circuits on chips for as little as $5- Fiber Optics . circuits which have essentially the same processing powers as computers costing $100,000 ten years ago. Possil'~ - ap­ Optical fibers, a new development in transmission, are pi ications of m icroproGessors are varied: home and office glass fibers that carry information in the form of light computers linked to central proce%ing unitsj traffic dens­ pulses. The advantages of optical fibers are their light ity-sensitive stoplights; "robots" used in the automation of weight, small diameter, wide bandwidth (high capacityL manufacturing; and so on. low transmission loss, and insensitivity to electro-magnetic interference. Furthermore, their manu facture is less depen­ Digital Technologies dent than that of copper wire on the availab iI ity of scarce raw materials. Each of these advantages is Iikely to en­ In digital transmission, either a pulse or a space (ab­ courage appl ication of fiber optic cables both for 50me sence of a pulse) is transmitted in each unit of time. A specialized uses and for more general applications, ulti­ stream of pulses and spaces might represent various types mately bringing a vast transm ission capacity into offices of information-for example, computer data or an analog and hollies. Considerable effort is being expended, particu­ signal, such as a voice, encoded digitally. Digital techniques larly in this country and Japan, to overcome the technical have become cost-effective because of the transistor, the problems that remain to be solved before fiber optic com­ integrated circuit, and the steady advance in methods of munications are an attractive economic alternative to exist­ manufacturing integrated circuits. As computers become ing systems generally. small er and small er, they become cheaper, use Iess "energy, Dr. Ballenger says that optical fibers are "no longer a and are faster, because the physical distances that signals laboratory toy." Both GTl: and Bell Labs have begun to travel are shorter. The application of digital techniques per­ plan implementation of optical fibers as replacements for vades almost every aspect of telecommunications systems. the standard copper wire now commonly used for signal The declining costs of digital technologies have stimu­ transmission. Over time, the copper wire network Iinking lated a proliferation of terminals for data and word process­ telephones, data terminals, and other terminal devices may ing, including horne computers. There is an increasing trend be replaced by optical fiber. In fact, Dr. Ballenger notes, toward interconnection of such terminals with central com­ "ies even conceivable that if copper prices rise high enough, puters, data banks, and each other. With the rapidly grow­ we rnay.end up 'mining' the copper cables buried all over ing volume of digital data to be transmitted over analog cir­ the country-and then replacing them with optical fibers." cuits (such as traditional telephone Iines)-and with a II.J0rth Carolina must plan to take advantage of fiber reciprocal need to transmit analog signals over new digital optIcs. If cable TV systems install optical fiber, citizens networks-there is a greater need to convert information may benefit from a much larger number of channels, in­ from one ferm to the other. Fiber optic systems, for exam­ duding interactive capacity for two-way communications. ple, require information to be in digital form. Another ap­ Ai> telephone companies install fiber optics, so will state plication of digital technologies is encryption-the encoding 87 of information to prevent its disclosure during transmis­ mati cally for users when they leave the house Of office. The sion. Still another application is for digital radio, which can push-button phone becomes) in a sense, a data terminal: allow for more efficient use of the frequency spectrum. since the digital switching mechanism is essentially a com­ Digital technology is al~o being appfied to transmis­ puter, each user's telephone becomes a terminal which can sion and switching systems. An advantage of digital trans­ "access" the central computer. The telephone company will mission is that a signal can be regenerated at intervals along be able to offer many new services to the home via the tele­ the transmission path without also'amplifying any inter­ phone network. The telephone user could dial up a bank vening noise. Digital techniques have also made possible and, by punching additional buttons, transfer funds. The new ways to interconnect term inals. Previously there were telephone could store callers' messages for later playback two methods of communicating in a network: circuit without recourse to an additional tape unit. Callers could switching, using a direct, continuous electrical path be­ use their home telephones for data entry or information tween sender and receiver, a.s in telephor.e callsj and store­ retrieval from' other computers. and-forward switching, in Which a message would be re­ The GTE/Sylvania demonstrations were of operational layed successively through relay points (switches) until it and near-term developments in digital telephone switching reached the addressee. A store-and-forward network uses technology. A subsequent trip to the GTE labs focused on transmission facilities more efficiently and permits the longer-range developments, in which the actual telephone sender to transmit e'len when the recipient is busy, but it instrument/ not just the switching center, becomes a digit.tl requires more time for message delivery than would be pos­ device. With a combination of digital switching and the sible using a through electrical connection. A new method, digital telephone, users will be able to perform any number packet switchinJ, applies digital technology to the store­ of tasks over the telephone network. An office worker and-forward method in a way that message delivery be­ could call his home and instruct the telephone terminal to comes virtually instantaneous. Messages are sent as a num­ turn on the oven, adjust the burglar alarm, set the video ber of short "packets" through a network of high-speed tape/recorder to tape a certain television program, and so memories interconnected by high-capacity circuits. As on. Funds transfer and meter reading are only two among packets arrive at each relay point, a small computer inspects various services that may no longer require travel. liThe them for instructions and sends them on their way over crucial part," says. Dr. Ballenger, "is the network." All of whatever path will at that instant provide fastest delivery. the above tasks will be possible so long as the respective de­ State telecommunications planners and other state gov­ vices are part of the network connected to the telephone. ernment officials have shown great interest in the wide­ But the telephone does not have to be the major link: ca­ spread move into digital systems. Dr. Ballenger reported to ble television companies, with their network of connections the Task Force that a statewide digital network would be into homes, are already providing some of these services useful in many ways. It could carry voice, data, and video using the television set as the terminal device. signals, serving telephone, radio, television, and teleprocess­ ing systems. Department of Administration Communica­ Summary tions Officer Frank Leatherman reported to the Task Force that he was investigating the costs and feasibility of a digital In some of the above examples, new technologies have switching system for electronic mail. State Budget Officer created telecommunication capabil ities that could not pre­ John A. Williams expressed interest in a centralized state­ viously have been achieved. For example, a statewide digital wide telecommunications network for budgetary purposes­ network could provide a con5(');dated transmission system a network that would most probably be based on packet­ to carry signals now distributed over many separate types switching technology. (A full discussion of this propcsal of systems. The new technologies have also, in some cases, can be found in Chapter II-D.) Further study of the possi­ so dramatically reduced costs that some long-desired capa­ bilities of these and related ideas is needed. bilities can be cost-effectively achieved for the first time. The rates at which the technologies are advancing are not Digital Telephones the same, and may not be uniform, but the advances can be expected to continue-and perhaps to accelerate. These Digital technology is now being applied to telephone changes offer North Carolina exciting opportunities to har­ switching systems and to the actual telephone instrument. ness new technologies for more efficient and effective pro­ In the future, all telephone switching centers will be digital. vision of public services. In fact, Southern Bell's Glenwood Avenue switch in Raleigh already is. Dr. Ballenger reported on the work being done in POLICY ISSUES AND digital telephone switching at the GTE/Sylvania labora­ EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES tories in suburban Boston. An implication of this transformation, Dr. Ballenger The continuing need for a means to examine both the says, is "that the telephone can become 'smart.''' For potential benefits and the potential effects of implementing example l the telephone will be able to forward calls auto- new technologies was brought to light in many Task Force 88 interviews and presentations. Th is section attempts to iden­ also dictate acquisition of certain types of technical equip­ tify some of the many policy issues raised by the emergence ment. of neW technotogies and the merging of old ones into new forms. Economic and Technical Factors In the evaluation of whether new technologies should be implemented within state systems, economic and tech­ nical factors interplay with social concerns. The basic prob­ Is a particular technology the appropriate one to meet lem is one of costs versus benefits, but both costs and bene­ service objectives? In its service interviews, the Task Force fits must be defined socially as well as economically. found a need for information and advice about new systems from some source other than the vendors. Objective evalua­ tion of the level of technology appropriate to meet some Social Factors goal is essential. In sorne cases, it may not be necessary to implement any new technology-administrative or or­ Will a new technology improve access to services for ganizational changes may solve the problem. In other cases, all citizens of the state? rhe state seeks, to equalize the a relatively simple technical solution may be found, avoid­ access of all citizens to services. Th is policy relates to tele­ ing acquisition of equipment that is more sophisticated communications in two ways: (1) telewmmunications than necessary. Choosing less complex technical solutions systems can provide a means to deliver public services; and may save capital and operating costs as well as reduce the (2) the tf..',?ology of the state and distribution of its popula­ amount of staff training necessary before the new equip­ tion are important factors in evaluating the relative econ­ ment can be used efficiently. omies of alternative telecommunications technologies. Should a system be shared by several users? In trans­ It is difficult to quantify the value ofimplementing a mission systems generally, as the usage increases, unit costs telecommunications system that allows citizens in, for decrease. Thus, economies of scale can often be realized example, rural areas equal access to state services which if several agencies share a common telecommunications have previously been readily available only to residents of system. In evaluating new technologies, the capacity for larger cities. And yet implementation of such a system such joint use must be considered. In evaluating what clearly provides a potential benefit to a state pursuing an specific uses should be aggregated on a common system, equal access policy. This benefit must be weighed in the consideration must be given to possible trade-offs in process of evaluating a possible system. economy versus efficiency and user flexibility, and to pro­ Topology and population density are significant factors visions for the security of information on individuals. These in telecommunications economics. It can be prohibitively policy factors, for example, are important in current de­ expensive tt~ build terrestrial line-of-sight systems to reach cision-making as to whether the state should have a few all citizens in mountainous areas, for example. Cost of tra­ large computers or many smaller ones-·centralized or de­ ditional transmissions are distance-sensitive: the farther the centralized teleprocessing systems. signal must travel, the more expensive the transmission. Is a new technology compatible with existing systems? Newer technologies, such as satellite communications, are Development in telecommunications systems must build less distance-sensitive, so transm ission costs might be upon the existing base, since facilities and services are, or equalized to users in all areas of the state. The number of potentially can be, interconnected. A new technology people benefiting from a telecommunications system also which is compatible with existing systems will probably affects its cost-effectiveness. Historically, many systems have a greater long-term benefit than a system which is not have been built only in areas of high popUlation density. compatible with, or reqUires extensive modifications in, Some emerging technologies will allow greater sharing of current systems. systems by many users. If enough uses can be made of a Is implementation of a new technology timely? Evalua­ single system, it may become cost-effective to serve low­ tion of the timeliness of implementation of a new system or density areas. techrology must be made in the context of trends in inno­ How can rights of privacy and freedom of access to in­ vation and costs. Hi storicall y, the costs of many tele­ formation be protected in implementation of ci nev.' tech­ communications technologies have decl ined dramatically nology? Implementation of new technological systems, following their initial introduction. And new innovations particularly in telfprocessing, must be ~valuated in relation in some rapidly advancing areas of technology may become to potential problems in privacy or freedom of information. obsolete quickly. Emerging Technologies Panel Chairman A policy decision might need to be made, for example, that Ballenger says the rate of innovation, however, is likely certain data systems should not be consolidated if the I csul t to be affected by the expected widespread move toward would make extraordinary amounts of information on in­ digital systems. Once the digital transition is achievpd, it is dividuals available from one source-heightening the danger possible that our society may have reached a technu,ogical of data theft or abuse. Policy decisions on requirements for "plateau"-a period of relative technological calm as new encryption of data and broadcast communications might systems are implemented. Sg

CONCLUSIONS mentation of new systems. It did become clear that oppor- . tunities for applying new technologies will continue to Telecommunications techno!ttgies have been going arise, that the cost of using such technologies is likely to through a period of rapid advancement. A number of new decline (at least in the near-term), and that previous tech­ technologies and applications are now, or soon will be, nical solutions need to be re-eVak-}ted as new technologies available for use in the delivery of public services. During and possibilities for consolidating exi3ting systems emerge. the course of its study. the Task Force did not attempt to The Task Force concluded that it is essential for the state resolve the many policy issues which relate to the imple- to keep such issues under continuous review. 90

Telecommunications Applications: A DOZEN WAYS NEW TECHNOLOGIES MAY CHANGE YOUR LIFE

1. You'll be using computers, and money directly from your account to conference is the familiar conference may not even know /to Researchers your creditors' accounts simply by telephone call. Another form of audio have developed microprocessors (or pressing phone buttons. These elec­ teleconference was used by the Task "chips"L no bigger than a child's tronic funds transfers will bf.' con­ Force in October, 1978, when a voice little finger, capable of prodigious venient, and should reduce the cost of link over a satellite allowed experts in feats of computing or memory stor­ doing business through' reductions in Washington, D.C., to participate in a age. Microprocessors arc likely to be paper-handling. But problems also Task Force meeting in Raleigh. With used in many ways: to control your exist: the definition of a legal docu­ video teleconferencing, participants microwave oven, to regulate the ment will have to expand to include can see as well as hear one another. temperature and humidity in your electronic information; the potential The Task Force participated in a home, to take phone messages when for computer crime will increase; con­ satell ite videoconference Iin king the you are away, and so on. Telecommu­ sumers will not be able to write a General Assembly members to federal nications will make it possible for you check on Thursday in anticipation of officials in Washington, D.C., in April) to be interconnected with these com­ making a deposit on Friday; and so on. 1979. Teleconferencing is likely to be puters even when you're not at home. 3. Your office will never be the used increasingly by the state. Par­ Thmugh a digital telephone network, same again. Business offices are be­ ticipants in teleconferencing might you'll be able to dial up your oven, coming more automated and more re­ need to travel to regional centers with burglar alarm, or thermostat. The same liant on telecommunications. Audio, studios, but wouldn't have to come type of chip that is inside hand calcu­ video, and computer teleconferences from around the state to just one cen­ lators forms the basis of home com­ can be expected to increasingly replace tral location, such as Raleigh.The re­ puters, some of which are being sold business meetings and reduce business SUlting reductions in travel costs and now. You can Use home computers to travel. Word processing devices are al­ time away from work might make it balance your checkbook, figure your ready saving hours of retyping by al­ possible for many citizens to take part taxes, keep financial records, partici­ lowing electronic corrections. These in government who otherwise could pate in educational programs, play devices can be linked bytelecommu­ not. And the savings in energy through electronic games, and even keep your nications, reducing the need for inter­ reduced travel is of particular benefit recipe fil e. office memos and mail, and to central in this era of energy shortages. Thus, 2. You may live in a nearly cash­ computers, aliowing electronic records teleconferencing may be a valuable less society. Our society has been mov­ storage. At some time in the future, it supplement to, although probably ing away from the use of cash. Salaries will be possible to do much office neVer a total substitute for, face-to­ are being automatically deposited in work at home, over a telecommunica­ face meetings. At some point in the banks. "Plastic money"-credit cards­ tions link with the central office. future, when teleconferencing facilities is increasingly being used for retail 4. You may be safer from poisons and networks are in place, non­ purchases. Telecommunications may in our environment. The Task Force institutional uses of videoconferences speed along this movement toward a discussed some uses of satell ites for may become common. You may, for nearly casnless society. North Caro­ remote sensing in its Conference on example, hold an electronic family re­ lina state government is al ready ex­ Emergency Response Communications union, possibly through the cable tele­ perimenting with direct payroll de­ in October, 1978. North Carolinians vision connection to your home. posits in the Wilmington area. The were recently shocked by illegal dump­ 6. Your new postman may be Task Force heard many public officials ings of poisonous chemicals along rural your TV set. New uses of telecommu­ express interest 1n a fully automated roadsides. If appropriate sensors are nications technologies present the po­ payroll, fiscal, and budgetary system. developed, satellite sensing might pro­ tential of transmitting mail electronic­ Such a system could substitute elec­ vide quick detection of such contamin­ ally. The first step might allow com­ tronic data communications for the ation, allowing faster cleanup and per­ panies 'who use computer billing or reams of checks) purchase orders) and haps even apprehension of despoilers mass mailings to send the material other paperwork now used. In the of the environment. Such a sensing electronically to local post offices) more distant future, increasing num­ system could also detect accidental where the bills or letters would be bers of everyday financial transactions spills of toxic substances and provide printed, and then delivered like normal are likely to occur without paper various kinds of land use information mail. Further off is the possibility of money changing hands. Store pur­ (see Chapter II-D). transmitting electronic mail directly chases may be instantaneously deduct­ 5. You may be able to hold a into offices or even homes) where it' ed from your bank account over a data family reunion without any travel. could be displayed on a television set link. When digital telephones become Teleconferences bring people together connected to the telephone or a cable widely available, you may transfer electronically. One form of audio tele- TV system. The federal government is 91

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'.... '

Miniaturization is one of the most significant developments in emerging telecommunications and electronics technologies. A microprocessor ICchip" smaller than a child's finger (see inset) is a tiny maze of electrical circuits created by overlays of silicon. A microprocessor like the one pictured here (Intel Corporation's 8085) could process monthly payroll information for a company of1 00 people in a few seconds.

currently studying whether the U.S. Medical Society have begun to look at sion of fingerprints, should make it Postal Service should compete with the telecommunication of preventive easier to apprehend criminals. Cable private companies in the mail-by-wire health information as a good way television systems are already offering industry. to curtail rising health costs. Ac­ burglar and fire alarm services. As the 7. You may be healthier, thanks tual medical services can also be digital network becomes a reality, such to telecommunications. Telecommu­ delivered through telecommunications. home security services may also be nications applications to health involve The specialized services of major medi­ offered over telephone lines. There has both distribution of health informa­ cal centers can be extended to remote even been speculation that senior citi­ tion and provision of medical services. areas through systems which transmit zens and others susceptible to criminal Doctors and medical administrators voice, telemetry (signals like electro­ attacks may wish to wear small trans­ are increasingly using computer tp,ch­ cardIograms), still pictures, and some­ ceivers which could send out auto­ nology to store and, through telecom­ times television pictures (see Chapter matic alarms and location information munications, to transmit patient rec­ II-B). . in case of emergency. Public safety ords, health statistics, and billing data. 8. Your personal safety may be telecommunications applications, how­ In some experimental applications, enhanced. New developments in tele­ ever, require particular attention to doctors telecommunicate symptoms communications promise increased ap­ the protection of individuals' rights to to central computers, which reply with plications for public safety. Compre­ privacy. comprehensive Iists of possible diag­ hensive criminal justice information 9. You may be able to participate noses. Groups like the North Carolina systems, including facsimile transmis- more easily in government decision- 92 making. Many cable companies are increases in the availability of home cable television, fiber optics, satellites currently providing coverage of local computers Iinked to larger networks, (including those which broadcast di­ government meetings. Some newer sys­ and by the movement toward a digital rectly to homes), and all of the e!e­ tems feature interactive capabilities: telephone system, allowing the home ments ofthe digital telephone network. viewers can respond to questions and phone to be used like a computer You will be connected to a dizzying polls, for example, about municipal terminal. -PrintQut capabilities on these array of entertainment options-live services. In the more distant future, it home computers will greatly expand artistic performances, sporting events, may becdrne possible to cast your bal­ the number of people and institutions and many others, from local, national, lot through your home telephone. with which the hearing-handicapped and international sources. You will be Such "dial-a-vote" systems, of course, can communicate. interconnected with vast storehouses require safeguards against abuse, safe­ 11. You'll "be able to talk it over of information. For example, you may guards which new technologies may with your computer. A great deal of be able to dial up a libary, punch in a provide. effort is being devoted to the develop­ selection, and read text or see pictures 1O. You may /ive In a world in ment of computers which can recog­ on your television set. Or you may which people with handicaps can par­ nize human speech. In the not too dis­ summon up consumer information ticipate more fully. Digital technology tant future, you may be able to call over your cable television system, tell­ has already made possible machines up your home computer and tell it to ing you the closest store with a par­ that read books aloud to blind and turn on the lights, close the windows, ticular product in stock; or where you perceptually handicapped people. As let the dog in out of the rain, and pay can find it on sale. You will be inter­ the number of information channels your bills. Computers which can in­ connected with a world of ideas. The available to homes increases, it may terpret the meaning of human speech new multiplicity of channels will make become possible to link home!> with may be a long way off. A more im­ it possible for all citizens to pursue such reading machines in libraries, etc. mediate application may be in com­ education as a life-long process. Per­ Subsidiary communications authoriza­ puter analysis of speech patterns as a haps more important, you will be tion channels (SCA's) of both public means of identification. interconnected with other people. Just and commercial broadcast stations are 12. You will be interconnected as senior citizens in Spartanburg, now underused. Radio reading ser­ with more people in more ways than South Carolina, are now using inter­ vices for the visually handicapped you've aver dreamed possible. The active cable television to meet with could be extended over these channels. number and kinds of information, edu­ public officials and with each other, And captioning of television programs cation, and entertainment sources so will the citizens of the future be can be provided for the hearing­ available to you will dramatically in­ able to use telecommunications to impaired. Opportunities for hearing­ crease through new and expanded reach out to others, and enable them and/or speech-impaired individuals to technology-for example, interactive to reach back. communicate will be enhanced by CHAPTER VI: Recommendations

As the Task Force entered its final phase of operations A New Board for UNC-TV in the fall of 1978, members reached conclusions based on the research and drafted recommendations to be transmit­ The first recommendation (See Appendix G) formally ted to Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Members were aware approved by the Task Force was for the establishment of a that, because of federal and other interest in their work, "Board of Trustees of the Un iversity of North Carolina whatever recommendations they finally made would be the Center for Public Televisior:, the members of which shall object of nationwide, as well as statewide, attention. Mem­ consist of eight persons to be appointed by the Board of bers were also aware, however, that North Carolina's spe­ Governors, four persons to be appointed by the Governor, cific solutions might well be different from those applied and ex officio, the Secretary of the Department of Cul­ elsewhere. Looking at telecommunications comprehensively tural Resources, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, was an untried, almost radical, methodology, but in suggest­ and the State President of the Community College Sys­ ing changes the Task Force had to be sensitive to the state's tem."* Other provisions of the recommendation included political and social traditions. For example, the Executive the addition of the Secretary of Human Resources to the Organization Act of 1973, which streamlined the depart­ list of ex officio members; the stipulation that all members, mental structure of state government, influenced the con­ including ex officio members, would have voting privileges; clusions and recommendations. Much attention was de­ and the staggering of terms of offices of all members. It voted to the Department of Administration, designated by shOUld be noted that the recommendations of the Task that Act as the principal service agency for telecommun ica­ Force incl uded the stipulation that the present licensee for tions in North Carolina; careful attention was paid to pre­ the UniverSity of North Carolina Television Network, the serving the integrity of the University of North Carolina University Board of Governors, would continue to be re­ Television Network, the various public radio stations, and sponsible for maintaining, directing, and operating the Net­ other agencies, to protect them from outside interference; work and the Center; and that the Board of Governors and a cautious conservatism was evident in the Task Force's would delegate to the (new) Board of Trustees whatever recommendation concerning consolidation of media pro­ powers and duties "the Board of Governors deems neces­ duction 'services. Where possible, the recommendations sary and appropriate for the effective discharge of the pur­ finally adopted tried to build on what was already in place poses and functions of the Un iversity of North Carolina and working. Center for Public Television."* The recommendation for a new UNC-TV Board MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS stemmed from the Task Force's consideration of public broadcasting generally and its relationship to other forms of The Task Force transmitted three major recommenda- public telecommunications. As discussed in Chapter II-A, tions to Governor james B. Hunt, Jr.: the Task Force concl uded that public tel evision, to para­ (J) That a Board of Trustees for the University ofNorth phrase the recent report of the Carnegie Commission, is a Carolina Center for Public Television be established; treasure meriting not only continued but expanded state (2) That statutes defining the role of the Department support. During the course of its study, the Task Force of Administration in telecommunications be clarified recognized that North Carolina's state support of public and modernized,' and (3) That an Agency for Public Telecommunications be *From the initial proposal by Task Force member and established. UNC President William C. Friday.

93 94 television is smaller than that of many other states; that -Exercise full responsibility and authority for all UNC·TV's needs may not receive sufficient attention be­ telecommunications matters relating to the inter­ cause its operating budget is one small part of the entire nal management and operations of state government; University budget; and that the Network needs greater sup­ -Establish, manage, and operate a wide array of tele­ port in order to fulfill its aspirations. communications systems, both current ones and those The Task Force recommendation for a new Board of based on emerging technologies; Trustees is a way of solving these problems. The Board is to -Develop coordinated telecommunication services and operate in much the same manner as the Board for the Uni­ systems within and among all agencies and departments versity of North Carolina's Memorial Hospital if') Chapel and assist in promoting sharing of systems and user ag­ Hill. It will become an advocate for University Television, gregation; giving it more visibility and promoting its welfare and prog­ -Coordinate continuing work in purchase/contract, ress. It may also be helpful in resolving policy questions property/construction, personnel, and budgetary areas pertaining to public television generally in the state. For with telecommunications concerns; example, the Task Force suggested that the Board seek a -Assure compatibility of telecommunications systems; means of cooperation between the two public television sta­ -Promote and coordinate planning for emergency tele- tions in the Charlotte area (as described in Chapter II-A). communications systems such as 911, and to assist in Other issues about public television in North Carolina were frequency coordination; not resolved by the Task Force but instead will be referred -Develop policies and long-range plans for telecom­ to the new UNC-TV Board. A full list appears at the end of munications, consistent with the protection of rights this chapter. The Task Force believes that the new Board to privacy and access to information; provide a con­ will be effective in strengthening the Network and helping tinuous, comprehensive analysis and inventory of to resolve these and other policy matters. telecommunications costs, facilities, systems, and per­ sonnel within state government; and develop an annual Revision of Department of Administration Statutes report. These proposed statutory changes clarify, but do not The Task Force's second major recommendation pulls substantially modify, the current role of the Department of together currently fragmented statutes in the Department Administration in the management of the state's telecom­ of Administration. While this legislation (see Appendix F) munications resources. The proposed additional technical does not substantially change the Department's current staff persons are needed to facilitate frequency coordina­ role, it defines and clarifies in modern terms the Depart­ tion; provide advice to the D~partment's Division of Pur­ ment's traditional statutory responsibilities for operating chase and Contract as to sharing, compatibility, and aggre­ and managing most state telecommunications. This legisla­ gation of users; and to help with telecommunications re­ tion involves a request for $52,123 for each year of the bi­ quirements involved in the work of the Department's Office ennium to provide two additional technical staff members of State Property. needed to get the job done. This amount can be more than The Task Force considers its proposed updating of tele­ offset by savings through coordinated planning, buying, and communications statutes for the Department of Adminis­ maintenance of telecommunications facilities. tration as an important part of a "package" enabling North Many of the conclusions of the previous chapters sup­ Carolina to take maximum advantage of telecommunica­ port the need for clarification of the Department's role in tions developments at least cost, with the flexibil ity to re­ coordination of telecommunications and other areas of spond to rapidly changing technologies. The final com­ government operation. This Report has discussed the needs ponent of this package is the Task Force's recommendation for investigation of electronic mail and word processing sys­ for an Agency for Public Telecommunications (APT). tems (Chapters II-A and II-B); for state involvement in fre­ quency coordination (Chapter II-e); for coordination of The Agency for Public Telecommunications personnel and accounting systems with telecommunications experts, and for long-range telecommunications planning The third and final major recommendation ofthe Task and policy advice as to purchases, contracts, property and Force proposes the establishment of the North Carolina construction plans, emerging technologies, and sharing of Agency for Public Telecommunications. Under its proposed systems (Chapter II-D); for investigating the cost-effective­ legislation (Appendix E) and the proposed Department of ness of teleconferencing as a means of increasing citizen in­ Administration statutory revisions, APT will work closely volvement and reducing costs (Chapter II-E); and for legal/ with the Department to encourage up-to-date telecommuni­ regulatory advice, more comprehensive management con­ cations services, planning, and coordination within state trol of systems and facilities, and study of new technologies government. APT's responsibilities as envisioned in the (Chapters III, IV, and V, respectively). The proposed tele­ Task Force-proposed legislation are to: (1) advise public communications statutes revisions will help meet these agencies on technological developments, available facilities, needs by requiring the Department specifically to: and opportunities for coordination; (2) operate a media 95 center to produce materials that may be telecommuni­ commitments. Among the ex officio members (all with cated by cable, landlines, satellite, broadcast, or other dis­ voting rights) are the heads of the state's major educational tribution systems; and (3) support development of public agencies, the Department of Administration, the Depart­ radio, It should be noted that, in this package, operational ment of Human Resources, the Utilities Commission and and management functions rest clearly with the Depart­ its Public Staff, and the proposed Privacy and Freedom of ment of Administration, as they have in the past, except Information Commission; there arc also tWo rotating mem­ for the operation of the media production center, responsi­ berships from other state government departments. Four bility for which rests with the APT Board. The relationship members are to be drawn from the North Carolina General envisioned between APT in its first function and the De­ Assembly. Two additIonal members wlll represent the UNC partment of Administration is one between advisor and im­ public television network and the interests of public radio plementer. Thus cooperation between the Department and stations in North Carolina. Finally, eleven members, includ­ APT is essential to the success of the overall plan. ing the Chairman of the APT Board, are to be appointed by the Governor to represent the general public, Policy Advice The impact of APT's advisory functions should be great because of the integral participation of governmental APT's first function is closely related to many of the leaders and representatives of the public in providing ad­ operational and management responsibilities of the Depart­ vice. Top executives will be kept constantly informed of ment of Administration under the proposed statutory re­ the effect of telecommunications on their operations and visions. APT is to assist the Department by advising it and will therefore be more likely to emphasize telecommunica­ other state agencies and officials (including the Governor, tions planning in their departmen~s. Council of State, and University of North Carolina) "on all Many telecommunicatlons policy concerns were pre­ matters of telecommunications policy as may affect the sented to the Task Force during its year of operation. The State of North Carolina." Among APT's activities will be: Task Force did not attempt to resolve these specific issues; -Providing an information clearinghouse about tele­ rather they will be referred to the APT Board and are communications; appended to this chapter. -Advising on telecommunications aspects of purchases and contracts, property and construction matters, man­ The Media Center agement operations, and other related concerns; -Advising on systems compatibility, emerging tech­ APT's second function is to operate a public agency nologies, frequency coordination, state telecommuni­ media center which is to "develop and provide media pro­ cations plans, and related matters; grams and programming materials and services of a non­ -Acting as an advocate for telecommunications pro­ commercial educational, informational, cultural, or scien­ gramming and distribution as alternatives to conven­ tific nature." It will also "undertake innovative projects in tional methods of meeting the goals of an agency; interactive telecommunications and teleconferencing when­ -Advising on relations between state and local govern­ ever such projects might serve to improve services, expand ments, regional organizations, the federal government, opportunities for citizen participation in government and/ foundations, and other states and nations on common or reduce the costs of delivering a service." telecommunications concerns. $550,000 has been requested for APT each year of the APT will balance a concern for cost-effectiveness with biennium, of which $125,000 is earmarked specifically for a concern for improving services. It will use its advisory public radio development. After the first few years, only powers to focus attention on telecommunications as an about $100,000 (plus an amount for radio) would appear as efficient means of extending benefits to all citizens, es­ an annual request. Th is recurring appropriation would sup­ pecially underserved groups such as rural citizens and handi­ port APT's advisory function concerning all aspects of tele­ capped persons. The Task Force recommended that APT's communications planning. But the bulk of th.e funds re­ policy powers be advisory. A separate Department of Tele­ quested is to be used in the first year to begin to acquire communications responsible for telecommunications policy facilities and personnel needed for the media production and management across state government had been pro­ center. In succeeding years, with other pUblic agencies pay­ posed and rejected as premature at best and perhaps ulti­ ing APT for their media productions, there will be income mately unnecessary. However, its serious consideration by to the Agency I so that the amount of money requested in the Task Force is reflected in the recommendation that the state appropriations should progressively decrease. The pro­ possibility of a separate department be reconsidered later. posed legislation requires a report within three years evalu­ In the meantime, the advisory capacity for APT was given ating APT's success in paying its own way. visibility and strength through the structure of its Board. From nearly the beginning, however, state appropria­ This Board was designed to be broadly representative tions for the media center can be counted on to result in both of the general public and of state government and substantial savings. Last year, more than $4 million was other public agencies with substantial telecommunications spent on media productions {for personnel, facilities, and 96 contracts) by general state government, exclusive of the APT Board, in turn, is empowered /'to serve as a means of University system. The Task Force found cameras tucked acquiring governmental and private funds for Use in the away in closets, tape recorders unused, and expensive but development of services through telecommunications"; and low-qual ity productions made on contract with outside /'to serve as a means of distributing state funds and grants." agencies. At the same time, the Task Force found many The Public Radio Advisory Committee is to be composed unmet needs. Among them: for video- and aUdio-tapes to of nine members representing both public radio licensees be distributed to the schools; for information tapes teach­ and the general public; its chairman will be a voting ex ing good home health practices to curtail rising medical officio APT Board member. Task For.ce members recog­ costs; for advice on the most efficient ways to produce nized that public radio has special needs (see Chapter ii-A) programs; and for alternative distribution technologies. meriting separate appropriated funds, and for that reason With APT centralizing media facilities and personnel, other chose to (;reate the Public Radio Advisory Committee to agencies' practices of buying materials on a piecemeal basis APT. The proposed APT legislation, however, allows the can be phased down, with substantial savings to the tax­ Board authority to create other special committees as payer. needed. The media production facility shOUld not only provide Funding requested in support of public radio, through economies as the $4 million already spent annually begins APT, is $125,000 for 1979-80. In addition, some $80,000 to become consolidated, but also should provide state gov­ in funds remaining from the $125,000 appropriated in ernment and other public agency Users of the facil ity need­ 1978 for the radio study has been requested to be trans­ ed expertise and flexibility about the types of products and ferred from the Board of Governors to the APT Board, and means of distribution to be used. Task Force research dem­ designated for public radio development. onstrated that some respondents ale not aware of the many The Task Force recognizes that public radio, like pub­ telecommunications paths available for distribution of mes­ lic television, is a national treasure, and that it too merits sages and in formation; quite often, they viewed broadcast continuing and expanded state support. It is to this end television as the only means available for meeting their that it has recommended, through APT and its Public Ra­ needs. APT will encourage its users to consider tape dupl i­ dio Committee, a means for nourishing the growth of pub­ cation, cable, closed-circuit, satellite, landline, radio, and lic radio across the state. other distribution systems alternative to television broad­ casting when these alternatives are appropriate to their OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS goals. The media production facil ity will provide othpr ser­ The Task Force's designation of its proposals for UNC­ vices as well. As telecommunications-related equipment TV, the Department of Administration, and the Agency for purchases begin to be consolidated, APT will be able to offer Public Telecommunications a~ its major recommendations state government and other public agency users a compre­ should not detract from the Lnportance of a large number hensive equipment loan and repair service so that taxpayers of other concerns presented to members over the past year. will not be funding equipment that is used a few times and One additional formal recommendation concerns the issues stored for years thereafter. Video and audio teleconferences of privacy and access to information. may be possible through the APT facil ity, as a means of in­ creasing public/government interaction and of saving time, A Commission on Privacy and Freedom of Information moncy, energy, and travel. APT will be a continuing means of identifying and then harnessing new developments in The Task Force endorsed in principle the recommenda­ production and distribution technologies. The media center tion of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety therefore refiects the Ta'sk Force's own mixture of con­ for the creation of a Commission on Privacy and Freedom cerns: born in a desire to cut costs and consolidate frag­ of Information. This recommendation arises from the reali­ mented efforts, it offers at the same time exciting oppor­ zation that individual liberties may be threatened by some tunities for new and improved services, and for particularly applications of telecommunications. For example, the ca­ innovative uses of interactive and other new technologies pacity to gather, store, and retrieve health information by to create new interconnections for North Carolina. teleprocessing carries both the possibility for better health care, through fuller and better organized information, and Public Radio the violation of privacy if such information is misused. While it may be true that information stored by computer APT's third function is to support the development of can be better protected than information in file d"rawers, public radio in North Carolina. The proposed legislation important questions remain as to who should have access creates a Public Radio Advisory Committee to the APT to what information and when that access is in the public Board which "shall advise the Board on distribution of interest. state funds to public radio licensees in North Carolina and North Carolina has studied these matters in the recent on any other matter which the Board may refer to it." The past both through the efforts of the Task Force and ohhe ------~-----

97

Governor's Crime Commission Committee on S~curity and nications-related programs in the Department of Natural Privacy. The proposal for a Commission on Privacy and Resources and Community Development. Freedom of Information is a recognition of the need for a 11. That APT investigate alternatives to broadcasting study group to consider these matters and make recommen­ for distributing educational programs. dations to the 1981 General Assembly; and to serve as an 12. That AP'r consider appropriation of funds to local appeals body for those who feel their rights to privacy and! school systems on an average daily membership matching or access to information have been abridged. basis for audio and video record and playback equipment. 13. That APT consider the State Board of Education's Unresolved Issues budget request for additional staffing in lTV reception and distribution. Finally, the Task Force received a large number of 14. That APT consider the Department of Community recommendations from members, advisors, state govern­ Colleges' request for an electronic cataloging system; elec­ ment personnel, liaisons, and other interested parties. In tronic library security systems; IN-WATS telephone ser­ its January meeting, the Task Force voted not to attempt vices; closed-circuit television systems; and automated data to evaluate these suggestions, but rather to refer 21 of them processing for fiscal management. to the APT Board for consideration, and five additional 15. That APT study implementation of teleconferenc­ suggestions to the neW UNC-TV Board of Trustees. The full ing capabilities between schools and public officialS. Ijst of these proposals follows. 16. That APT study e:

4. That the UNC-TV Board of Trustees study provision "turf"-concerns that could critically endanger any such of remedial and enrichment educational video services wide-ranging study. These aspects of the Task Force's during summer daylight hours. approach may be helpful to other states seeking better 5. That the UNC-TV Board of Trustees study provision understanding and management of their telecommunica­ of North Carolina news programming to be distributed by tions systems. public broadcasting, especially in areas of the state where From the study emerged the theme that more and bet­ there are no North Carolina-based commercial stations. ter interconnections for North Carolina could be eco­ nomically achieved. New technologies like satellite video­ NORTH CAROLINA Al~D BEYOND conferencing promise exciting opportunities for all North Carolinians, regardless of their geographic location, to The Task Force viewed telecommunications not as an interact with each other, with their teachers, co-workers, end in itself but as a means to ends such as the delivery of students, or with their publ ic officials. State support of cul­ public services, the efficient administration of government, tural, educational, and informational programming ser­ and the effective interaction of citizens and government. vices-to be distributed through a number of technologies­ The study took a comprehensive view in recognition of the can help interconnect North Carolinians with many dif­ interrelationships of the various forms of telecommunica­ ferent worlds of ideas, feelings, and information. More tions. And the broad-based nature of the Task Force mem­ effective interconnections of systems providing health, bership-including as it did representatives of state govern­ social, and public safety services can help strengthen the ment and public agencies at the highest levels, as well as of bonds of physical and social welfare for our society. Tele­ the general public-helped North Carolina look at its ser­ communications can provide a means of reaching people vice needs, existing systems, plans, and problems without and of enabling those people to reach back. The potential is being unduly hampered by concerns about politics or nearly lim itless. APPENDIX A: Governor's Executive Order Establishing the Ta~sk Force

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 18

WHEREAS the State of North Carolina has a multimillion members of the Task Force shall be appointed by the Governor. dollar investment in public telecommunications such as telephone The ex officio members slJall be officers of the Executive Branch or data transmission, radio and television systems; and members of state commissions, boards, or agencies with special WHEREAS various d.epartments, agencies, and administrative responsibilities for telecommunications activities or policy. Ex officio units of State Government have authority vested by statutes to members shall also serve, at the pleasure of the Governor, for the oversee the operations of these public telecommunications systemsi one-year life of the Task Force. Members and ex officio members of and the Task Force shall be entitled to reimbursement for travel and ex­ WHEREAS there are administrative, legislative, and regulatory penses as may be authorized for members of state boards and com­ changes taking place at the Federal level which can increase funds missions generally! pursuant to GS 138-6. available to North Carolina for telecommunications; and Section 3. The Chairman of the Task Force ~hall r.e designated WHEREAS nationally and worldwide, rapidly developing tele­ by the Governor from among the Task Force membt,rshlp. The du­ communications technologies are increasingly being applied to the ties of the Chairman shall include the following: delivery of social services, medical services, educational services, and (a) The Chairman shall plan, schedule, and cnair all meetings to increase the availability of cultural resources and the opportunity of the Task Force. He shall cause such meetings to be announced In to participate in decision-making processes of government without advance to the public and to Interested parties in Stdte Government. energy-depleting travel; (b) The Chairman shall have the primary responsibility of call-' NOW, THEREFORE,IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: ing for written I'oports from state officials and personnel engaged In Section 1. There is hereby created, for a period of one year, telecommunications activities and for scheduling presentation of the North Carolina Task Force on Public Telecommunications. The these reports before the Task Force. Task Force will have as its primary duties and responsibilities the (e) At his pleasure, the Chairman may appoint technical ad­ following: visory committees from the profeSSional community to help assoss (a) To study existing state telecommunications facilities and the current telecommunications stall'S and relate that status to new tite services they deliver, and identify telecommunications needs. and developing technologies. Members of such technical advisory (b) To study telecommunications costs in r;:lation to current committees may be reimbursed for travel and expenses. services, including exploration of potential monetary savings through (d) The Chairman shall have primary responsibility for co­ greater interagency cooperation and improved liaison with federal ordinating the reports and recommendations resulting, from the agencies which can provide financial and technical telecommunica­ work of the Task Force. tions assistance. Section 4. The Staff Director of the Task Force shall be ap­ (c) To study, evaluate, and Inform state agencie" about new pointed by the Governor from among current pen'onnel ()f the telecommunications technologies and the services they can deliver, Policy Development Division of the Department of Administration. with special emphasis on cost reduction and the improvement of The duties of the Staff Director shall include the following! servic,es to the people. (a) To supervise, at the direction of the Chairman, the staff (d) To consider how citizens' rights can best be provided for of the Task Force. in the telecommunications activities of the State, including the (b) To supervise, at the direction of the C:hairman, the budget right to privacy, the right of public access to facilities and services, of the Task Force. and the right of public participation in policy-making. (c) Tt' arrange for the recording of minutes of Task rorce (e) To write a report, for delivery to the Governor on or about meetings, and to compile all information gathered in the course of January 31, 1979, recommending administrative, legislative, and the Task Force study. regulatory modifications necessary to assure that the citizens of the (d) To serve as a liaison between the Task Force and the State receive their full share of the benefits of modern public tech­ various departments, diVisions, agencies, and office; of State Gov­ nology. ernment. Section 2. The Task Force shall be composed of not more (eJ To assist, at the direction of the Chairman) in the prepara­ than twenty-five (25) distinguished and interested citizens to be ap­ tion of all Task Force reports and recommendations. pointed by the Governor and who will serve, at the pleasure of the (f) To employ and supervise personnel necessary to accom­ Governor, for the one-year life of the Task Force. The Task Force plish the purposes of the Task Force. membership shall include at least one (1) member from each house Section 5, Initial funding for operations and personnel of the of the State Legislature, and may include members of the Executive Task Force shall come from a grant from the Mary Reynolds Bab­ Branch. In addition,not more than ten (10) non-voting ex officio cock Foundation in the amount of $4,375.00 Additional such fund-

99 Jng Is expected from other sources. In-kind support, such as tele­ Section 7. This Order shall become effective immediately. phone service and office spact,. shall be assumed by the Depart­ Done in Raleigh, North Carolina, this the 14th day of Febru­ ment of AdminIstration. ary, 1978. Section 6, Every agency withIn State Government within my authority Is requested to cooperate with the Task Force in James B. Hunt, Jr. providIng all neceSsary Information regarding their activities. GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA APPENDIX B: Methods

FORMATION OF THE TASK FORCE Laws and Regulations Panel On February 14, 1978, Governor James B. HUnt, Jr., signed The Laws and Regulations Panel surveyed current telecom­ the Executive Order which created the North Carolina Task Force munications law and regulation, and examined a few current issues on Public Telecommunications (Appendix A). The Governor ap­ of particular concern to North Carolina in depth. One such question pointed 19 members and 4 ex officio members to the Task Force. was whether the state should take a role in the regulation of cable (One ex officio member, Wade Hargrove, then Chairman of the Se­ television. The N.C. League of Municipalities conducted a survey of curity and Privacy Committee of the Governor's Crime Commis­ officials in 43 North Carolina cities about cable issues as part of the sion, was later reappointed as a regular member. Another ex officio Task Force's overall study of cable TV. Another concern was the member, Dr. Ben Fountain, then President of the Department of safeguarding 0'- individuals' rights to privacy and access to informa­ Community Colleges, resigned from that position dUring the year. tion. In relatii; 1 to these issues several experts made presentations Dr. Joseph Carter, Director of Educational Resources for the De­ to the Task Force (Chronology, Chapter 1). partment of Community Colleges, was appointed to fill that va­ cancy.) Among the 23 members were both pUblit: officials and pri­ Facilities and Systems Panel vate citizens, chosen to represent a wide range of Interests and The Facilities and Systems Panel undertook an inventory of concerns. current state telecommunications equipment and systems. I t quickly Plan of Operation became apparent that a complete inventory would require more time and resources than the Task Force had available. However, 307 The Task force's Plan of Operation divided the study into four separate systems were identified, and basic descriptive information phases: Information Collection, Assimilation/Evaluation, Recom­ was collect'.!d about most of them. mendations, and Report Writing. While defining these phases helped A data collection form was devised for use in gathering descrip­ to provide a schedule for the study, they were not, In fact, strictly tive information on state systems (Appendix D). The surveyed items successive In time. For example, the Information Collection phase included a description of equipment, interconnections with other overlapped much of the Assimilation/Evaluation phase as informa­ systems, capital value, and operating costs. It was found that per­ tion gathering, consideration, and evaluation interplayed dynami­ sonal interviews are preferable to mailed questionnaires in eliciting cally. the type of information required. As an analytic aid, the facilities survey results were reduced to one-line descriptions of systems and THE INFORMATION COLLECTION PHASE entered in the State Computer Center. (See Chapter IV, State Facilities and Systems.) During the Information Collection phase, each Task Force member was assigned to two of four panels: Service Objectives, Laws and Regulations, Facilities and Systems, and Emerging Tech­ Emerging Technologies Panel noiogies. The Service Objectives Panel was ftcrther subdivided into The Emer.;:ng Technologies Panel was formed to investigate five committees: Cultural, Educational, and lnformation Services; new telecommunications technologies and their potential applica­ Health and Social Services; Public Safety Services; Government tions. The Panel considered staff research, numerous presentations, Operations; and PUblic/Government Interaction. Each Task Force and the reSUlts of a trip taken by the Panel's chairman to several re­ member served on one of the committees of the Service Objectives search and development laboratories. In addition, two satellite tele­ Panel as well as on one of the other three panels. conferences demonstrated applications of new technologies. Servict: Objectives Panel it was scen as vital that the " ,.sk Force consider the service ASSIMI LATIONjEVALUA TlON PHASE objectives of public agencies in the broad sense, rather than restrict As the Services, Laws, Facilities, and Emerging Technologies Itsel f only to program objectives currently being met through tele­ Panels gathered their information, the Task Force as a whole began communications. Because the purview of the Services Panel was so to sift through it. The Panels reported on their progress and findings large, the five committees mentioned above, organized around types at each Task Force meeting, and summaries of the results of services of public serVices, were formed. The categorization of services Into and facilities SU1'veys were distributed, so that all members hall ac­ these five types was, to sorne extent, arbitrary. (See intrqduction to cess to the full range of information available, In this and the final Chapter II, Public Services and Telecommunications.) stages of the study, the Task Force worked as a committee-of-the­ The committees of the Service Objectives Panel completed whole, since the total body of information had to be interrelated in personal interviews with over 100 public officials. In general, one order to be evaluated. or more Task Force members were Joined by at least one staff mem­ ber or consultant in conducting the interviews. The information dis­ The Advisory Committee on Public Radio cussed in each interview followed a standard set of guideline::.; A number of controversial issues were raised about the future (Appendix C). A summary report of each interview, organized development of public radio in North Carolina at the Task Force­ around the gUidelines, was prepared by the staff and sent to each sponsored Conference on Public Educational Radio in ) une, 1978. participant for !:orrections and apjJroval. Additional information As a result of these pressing concerns, a special Advisory Committee relating to service objectives was gathered through presentations at on Public RadIo was formed to evaluate the issues and make recom­ Task Force meetings anq conferences on public radio and emer­ mendations to the Task Force. The findings and recommendations gency communications. (See Chronology of Events at the end of of the Radio Committee were given careful consideration by the Chapter 1.) Task Force in making its own evaluation of public radio issues. 101

RECOMMENDATIONS PHASE followed In organizing the Report. The Report Was approved at the. April 4, 1979, meeting. In the process of formulating and approving recommendations, the members of the Task Force were asked to submit their individual recommendations for consideration by the group as a whole. Other BEYOND NORTH CAROLINA recommendations were forged by a succession of several special sub­ committees appointed by the chairman to resolve areas of conflict. The Task Force project Was undertaken both because of the Final recommendations were approved by the whole Task Force in importance of the study to North Carolina and becausu of a con­ open sessions where language was discussed in detail, and draft) of viction that the approach taken might serve as a useful model for proposed legislation were approved (Appendices E and F). The ree­ others wishing to enSUre the best usc of telecommunications for the 'lmmendations were transmitted to the Governor for his considera­ public benefit. Similar projects in the fllture should profit from the tion. Legislation for the recommendation concerning UNC-TV was lessons learned and procedures developed by the Task Force. CQr· drafted by the University of North Carolina; but the language fol­ tain methods followed by the Task Farce were dictated by concerns lowed the spirit of the Task Force recommendation In every aspect. specific to North Carolina. For example, public. radio and publlc television were approached according to their histories In North Carolina, which may be particular to this state. Other procedural REPORT WRITING PHASE decisions made by the Task Farce, particularly in taking a compre­ Preparation of this Report was a cooperative effort of the hensive view of all forrns of telecommunications, in focUsing on ser­ members, staff, and consultants, with the members responsible for vices, and in looking toward applications of new technologies, have final approval. The panel structure of the Information Collection proven to be very valuable In this State and should be equally bene­ phase proved to be a useful framework around which to structure ficial beyond North Carolina. the Task Force's explorations. Therefore, this same framework was APPENDIX C: Services Interview Questionnaire

PANEL ON SERVICE OBJECTIVES GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERVIEWS

The following categories of inquiry should be included but should not limit subjects discussed:

1. Interviewers' names

2. Time, date, and place of interview

3. Names and titles of interviewees

4. Title of office or agency, and its Department

5. Contact name and phone number for followup calls

INQUIRE FOR EACH MAJOR SERVICE PROGRAM ADMINIS­ TERED BY THiS OFFICE: 6. Principal objectives of the program. What is this program trying to accomplish? (Examples: "Provide library services to all citizens." "Supply educational media equipment and assistance to school dis­ tricts across the state." "Provide centralized automated data process­ ing to other state agencies for payroll and ather record-keeping.")

7. Exchanges of communications or services. Telecommunications may be needed wherever there is an exchange of information, ser­ vices or projects. Do you gather information or make use of services provided by citizens, ather agencies, the Federal Government? Do you provide information, services or products to any of these? Mow do these exchanges occur (in-person contacts, mail, phone, data transmission, telecopy, teletext, two-way radio, broadcast, etc.)? Is more communication needed from citizens, additional locations, other sources? Do your services reach evaryone they should reach?

8. What kinds of telecommunications do you currently have in use? For example, telephone, teletext, remote data processing, two-way radio, etc.

9. Could new or improved telecommunications help meet the ob­ jectives of your current program?

10. Do you have plans ·or ideas for new programs? Could telecom­ munications help? "'~.,------

102 APPENDIX D: Facilities Data Collection Questionnaire

DATA COLLECTION SHEET

1. Name of System (Existing or Planned)

2. State department/dIvisions controlling

3. State department/divisions served

4. Purpose of facility or system

5. Type

a. Vo Icc I telephone (Non-secure or 5ccure)

(1) Common-user

(2) Dedicated

(3) Other

b_ Teletype (Non-secure or secure)

c_ Facsimile (Non-secure or secure)

d. Radio Broadcasting

(1) AM or FM

(2) Output, in WATTS

e. TV Broadcasting

(1) Output, in WATTS (2) CATV

(3) MATV

(4) Other

f. Radio (Non-secure or secure)

(1) Paging

(2) T)vc-way " (3) Other'; g. Navigational Aids

h. Teleprocessing (Data Comm) (Non-secure or secure)

(1) Digital

(2) Analog 103

6. Major Components

a. Number of Terminals

(1) Receivers

(2) Transmitters

(3) Transceivers

b. Number of Communications Sites (non-terminals; i.e., TV translators, microwave sites, and TV transmitters)

c. Number of Switching Centers

d. Map of system (see Enclosure

e. Number of frequencies

f. Block diagram (see Enclosure

g. Annual Operating Costs

(1) Maintenance

(a) Contract

(b) Organic

(2) Personnel Costs

(3) Equipment Costs

(a) Leased/rental

(b) Programming Costs (recurring or non-recurring)

(c) Other

(4) Total Plant Value (if facility or system state-owned)

h. Usage

(1) Messages per year

(2) Hours per year

(3) Transmissions per year

i. Speed of Terminal (WPM, Baud rate)

j. Circuit/channel information

k. Planned or funded upgrades within next FY

I. Storage capacity (memory) APPENDIX E: Proposed Statute for the Agency for Public Telecommunications

Section 143B-422.1. Definitions.-As used in this Part, ex­ stitution, cOmmission, committee, board, division, bureau, officer cept where the context chearly requires otherwise, the words and or official; whenever the term "Agency" is used it shall mean the expressions defined in. this section shall be held to have the mean­ North Carolina Agency for Public Telecommunications. ings here given to them. (2) Board: whenever the term "Board" is used it shall mean (1) Agency: whenever the term "agency" is used it shalt mean the Board of Public Telecommunications Commissioners. and include, as the context may require, an existing department, :n- (3) Telecommunications: any origination, creation, transmls- 104 stan, emission} storagc, retrieval, or reception of signs, signals, writ­ The Secretary of Administration or his designee shall serve as ing, Images and sounds, or Intelligence of any nature, by wire, radio, secretary of the Board. television, optical or other electromagnetic systems. Ad interim appointments to fill vacancies on the Board shall be for the balance of the unexpired term and shall be made in the same. Section 143B-422.2. Cr,."tjon of Agency.-membershipi ap­ manner as was the original appointment. pointments, terms and vacall .• ,j officers; meetings and quorum; The Governor shall have the power to remove any member of compensatlon.-"fhe North (·.l·~lina Agency for Public Telecom­ the Board from office in accordance with the provision of G.S. munications is hereby created. It shall be governed by a board here­ 143B-16. by designated as the Board of Public Telecommunications Commis­ The Board shall meet quarterly and at 9ther times at the call of sioners and composed of27 members as follows: the Chairman or upon written request of at least six members. (1) The Chairman of said Board; A majority of the Board members shall constitute a quorum (2) Tcn at large members chosen from tne general public, ap­ for the transaction of business. poInted by the Governor; Members of the Board who are not officers or employees of (3) Two members of the North Carolina House of Representa­ the State or members of the General Assembly shall receive compen­ tlvcs, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. sation in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 138-5. State offi­ (4) Two members of the North Carolina Senate, appointed by cers and employees who are members of the Board shall receive the President of the Senate; compensation in accordance with the proVisions of G.5. 138-6. The (5) The Secretary of Administration, ex officio; Legislative members of the Board shall receive compensation in (6) The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, ex officio, for the accordance with the provisions of G.S. 120-3.1. proposed University of North Carolina Center for Public Television (If and when established); Section 143B-422.3. Purj:iOse of Agency.-The Agency herein­ (7) The Chairman of the State Board of Education, ex officio; before created shall serve as an instrumentality of the State of North (8) The Chairman of the proposed North Carolina Privacy and Carolina for the accomplishment of the following gerl6ial purposes: Freedom of Information Commission, ex officio (if and when es­ (1) To advise the Governor, the Council of State, the principal tablished); State Departments, the University of North Carolina, the General (9) The Chairman of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Assembly and all State agencies and institutions on all matters of ex officio; telecommunications policy as may affect the State of North Caro­ (10) The Director of the Public Staff of the North Carolina lina and its citizens. Utlilties Commission, ex officio; (2) To foster and stimulate the usage c>f telecommunications (11) The Chairman of the Public Radio Advisory Comm ittee programming, services and systems for non-commercial educational of the North Carolina Agency for Public Telecommunications, ex and cultural purposes by public agencies for the improvement of the officio; performance of governmental services and functions. (12) The Superintendent of Public Instruction, ex officio; (3) To serve State government, local governments and other (13) The President of the University of North Caroiina, ex public agencies and councils in the fol!{l'!!inll ways: prflcio; a. To provide a clearinghouse of information about innova­ (14) The Pj'esident of the Department of Community Colleges, tive projects, programs or demonstrations in telecommunications. ex officio; b. To provide advice on the acquisition, location and opera­ (15) Two members ex officio who shall rotate among the re­ tion of telecommunications systems, equipment, and facilities and maining heads of departments enumerated in Sections 143A-ll, to provide particularly such advice as may foster compatibility of 143B-6, appointed by the Governor. such systems, equipment and facilities and may reduce or eliminate The Chairman of the Board of Public Telecommunications duplication or mismatching of such systems and facilities. Commissioners shall be chosen by the Governor and shall serve at c. To provide advice on the disposition of ex,eSS or unused the pleasure of the Governor. telecommunications eqUipment. The ten at large members -shall serve for terms staggered as fol­ d. To provide information and advice on new t~lecommuni­ lows: four members whose appointments shall expire on June 30, cations developments and emerging technologies. 1980i three members whose appointments shall expire on June 30, e. Tc provide advice on procurement matters on all pur­ 1982; three members whose appointments shall expire on June 30, chases and contracts for telecommunications syst~ms, programming 1984. Thereafter, the members at large shall be appointed for full and services. four-year terms and until their successors are appointed and quali­ f. To provide information and advice on the most cost­ fied. The Governor shall consider the following factors in his ap­ effective means of using telecommunications for management, pointment of members at large: that said members represent the var­ operations and service delivel y. lOllS geographic areas of the State including both urban and rural g. To provide information and advice on all matters pertain­ areas; that said members represent various classifications as to sex, ing to cable or community antenna television systems including but race, age, and handicapped persons; that among said members there not limited to ordinances, franchising, rate-making, interconnec­ shOUld be representatives of the public teleVision, commercial broad­ tions, public service programming or any other related concerns. cast, non·broadcast distributive systems and private education com­ h. To provide advice and assistance in the evaluation of munities of the State. alternative media programming so that the most efficient and ef­ The terms of the ex officio members shall be coterminous with fective products may be developed and used. their election or appointment to office. I n the event that any of the i. To provide advice and assistance in the identification of offices represented on the Board shall become non-existent, the suc­ various methods of distributing programs and materials. cessor officer to the designated member shall become an ex officio (4)To study the utilization of the frequency spectrum and to member of the Board; if there shall be no successor, then the posi­ advise appropriate authorities as to effective frequency management. tion on the Board shall be filled by a member to be appointed by (5) To assist in the development of a State plan or plans for the the Governor from the general public. The ex officio members shall best development of telecommunications systems, both public and have the right to vote. private, to insure that all citizens of North Carolina will enjoy the The terms of the members of the North Carolina House of benefits which such systems may deliver. Representatives and the North Carolina Senate shall be coterminous (6) To develop and provide media programs and programming with their terms in office or until their successor shall be appointed materials and services of a non-commercial educational, informa­ and qualified. tional, cultural or scientific nature. The terms of the rotating members shall be of one-year dura­ (7) To undertake innovative projects in interactive telecom­ tion and the schedule of rotation shall be determined by the Gov­ munications and teleconferencing whenever such projects might ernor. serve to improve services, expand opportunities for citizen partici­ Each S tate official who shall serve on the Board may designate pation in government and/or reduce the costs of delivering a service. a representative of his department, agency or institution to sit in his (8) To serve as a means of acquiring governmental and private place on the Board and to fully exercise his privileges of member­ funds for use in the development of services through telecommuni­ ship. cations. 105

(9) To serve as a means of distributing state funds and awarding thereon by any such federal agency, the State of North Carolina or grants for any purpose determined to be In furtherance of the pur­ any political SUbdivision thereof, or llny public 01' privlte tender or poses of this Part. donor, and to give such eVidences of indebtedne~s as shall be re­ (10) To operate such telecommunications facilities or systems quired, provided, however, that no Indebtedness of any kind in­ as may fall within the purview of this Part or as may be assigned to curred or created by the Agency shall constitute an Indebtedness or the Agency by the Secretary of Administration, the Governor or the State of North Carolina or any political subdiVision thereof, and the General Assembly. no such indebtednc.ss sha/l involl't .01' be s!!cured by the fa!th J credit (11) To review, assess and report to the Governor on an annual or taxing power of the State of I'oo,h Carolina or any political sub­ basis on the telecommunications needs and services of staLe and division thereof; Provided, however,'.. lt no time may the total out­ local government and on the prodUction capabilities and services, standing indebtedness of the Agency, excluding bond indebtedness the non-production services and the research and development ser' exceed a total of five hundred thousand dollars ($5001000) without vices offered by the Agency and by aIJ other agencies of state gov· approval of the Advisory Budget Commission. ernment. (6) Be authorized and empowered to pay aIJ necessary costs (12) To review, assess and report to the Governor, after a and expenses involved in and incident to the formation and organi­ period of not less than two years and not more than three years zation of said Agency and incident to the administration and opera­ after the enactment of this Part, on the telecommunications stat· tion thereof, and to pay all other costs and expenses reasonably utes, plans and operations in state government, including those reo necessary or expedient in carrying out and accomplishing the pur­ suiting from the enactment of this Part and from revision of statutes poses of this Part; pertaining to telecommunications in the Department of Adminis­ (7) Be authorized and empowered to distribute In the form of tration. grants, gifts, or loans ~uch of the revenues. ~nd earnings received by (13) To serve as liaison between State government and local the Agency from Its operatiOns, subject to the approval of the Ad­ governments, regional organizations, the federal government, foun· visory Budget Commission and under such conditions as the Board dation, and other states and nations on common telecommunica· may deem appropriate to the accomplishment of the purposes of tions concerns. this Part; (14) To study and evaluate all existing or proposed statutes, (8) Have power to adopt, alter or repeal its oWn bylaws, rules rules or regulations at aIJ levels of government touch ing upon or and regulations governing the manner In which Its business may be affecting telecommunications policy, services, systems, program­ transacted and in which the power granted to it may be enjoyed, ming, rates or funds and to advise the appropriate officials, agen· and may provide for the creation of such divisions and for the ap· cies and councils. pointments of such committees, and the functions thereof, as the (15) To acquire, construct, equip, maintain, develop and im· Board may deem necessary or expedient in facilitating the business prove such facilities as may be necessary to the fulfi/lment of the and Purposes of the Agency. purpose of the Part. (9) The Board shall be responsible for all management func· (16) To provide information and advice on any related matter tions of the Agency. The Cha:~'";)a n shall serVe as the chief execu­ which may be referred to it by any agency or council of state or tive officer and shall have the responsibility of executing the pollcies local government. of the Board. The Executive Director shall be the chief operating (17) And in general to do and perform any act or function and administrative officer and shall be responsible for carrying out which may tend to be useful toward the development and im­ the decisions made by the Board and its Chairman. The Executive provement of telecommunications services with State government Director shall be appointed by the Governor upon the recommenda­ and which may increase the delivery of services through telecom­ tion of the Board. The salary of the Executive Director shall be munications programs or systems. fixed by the Governor subject to the approval of the Advisory Bud· The enumeration of the above purposes shall not limit or cir­ get Commission and the Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure cumscribe the broad objective of developing to the utmost the pos­ of the Governor. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Execu· sibilities of telecommunications programming, services and systems tive Director is hereby authorized to appoint, employ, dismiss and in the State of North Carolina. fix the compensation of such administrative, clerical and other em­ ployees as the Board deems necessary to carry out the purposes of Section 143B-422.4. Powers of Agency.-In order to enable it this Part; Provided, however, that any and all employees designated

to carry out the purposes of this Partl the said Agency shall: by the Board as professional personnel shall be compensated by (1) Have the powers of a body corporate, including the power salaries fixed by the Governor; Provided further, that any employee to sue and be sued, to make contracts, to hold and own c0p,yrights who may serve as the director of any division of the Agency which and to adopt and use a common seal and to alter the same as may be may be established by the Board shall be appointed with the addi­ deemed expedient; tional approval of the Secretary of Administration. There shall be (2) Have the authority to make all necessary contracts and ar­ an executive comm ittee of seven members elected by the Board rangements with any parties Which will serve the purposes and facili­ from among its members. Said executive committee shall consist tate the business of the North Carolina Agency for Public Telecom­ of the Chairman, three of the appointed members and three of the munications; Provided 1 however, the Agency shall not contract or ex officio members; the Chairman shall serve as chairman of the enter into any agreement for the production by the Agency of pro­ executive committee. The executive committee shall be vested with grams or programming materials with any person, group, or organi­ the authority to do all acts which are authorized by the bylaws of zation, other than government agencies; principal state departments; the agency. Members of the executive comm ittee shall serve until public non-commercial broadcast licensees; non-profit entities or­ their successors are elected. ganized for cultural, educational or scientific purposes. (10) Be authorized and empowered to do any and all other acts (3) Be authorized and empowered to rent, lease, r,uy, own, ac­ and things in this Part authorized or required to be done, Whether quire, mortgage, otherwise encumber and dispose of~;uch property, or not included in the general powers in this section; and real or personal and construct, maintain, equip and operate any fa­ (11) Be authorized and empowered to do any and all things cilities, buildings, studios, equipment, materials, supplies and sys­ necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Part. tems as said Board may deem proper to carry out the purposes and Nothing herein shall authorize the Agency to exercise any provisions of this Part, all or any of them; control over any public non-commercial broadcast licensee, its staff (4) Establish an office for the transaction of its business at or facilities. such place or places as, in the opinion of the Board shall be advis­ The propertyoi: rh!!Agency shall not be subject to any taxes able or necessary in carrying out the purposes of this Part; or assessments thereon. (5) Be authorized and empowered to apply for and accept loans and grants of money from any federal agency or the State of Section 143B-422.5, Public Radio Advisory Committee.-crea­ North Carolina or any political subdivision thereof or from any pub­ tion; duties; members.-The Public Radio Advisory CommIttee of lic or private sources available for any and all of the purposes autho­ the North Carolina Agency on public Telecommunications is hereby rized in this Part, and to extend or distribute the same in accordance created. Said Committee shall advise the Board on the distribution with directions and requirements attached thereto or imposed of State funds to public radio licensees in No.rth Carolina and on 106 any other matter which the Board may refer to it. There shall be ment. (dJ Such bonds and the income thereof shall be exempt from nine members of said Committee; three of whom shall be repre­ all taxation within the State. sentatives of the public radio broad.:ast licensees in the State; six of whom shall be at large members chosen by the Governor from Section 143B-422.8. Exchange of property; removal of build­ the general public. The members shall choose one of the at large ing, etc.-The Agency may exchange any property or properties ac­ members to serve as Chairman of the Committee; said Chairman quired under the authority of this Chapter for other property, or shall serve ex officio as a member of the Board. properties usable in carrying out the powers hereby conferred, and also may remove from lands needed for its purposes and reconstruct Section 143B-422.6. Approval of acquisition and disposition on other locations, buildings, facilities, equipment, telecommunica­ of real property.-Any transactions relating to the acqUisition or d is­ tions systems or other structures, upon the payment of just compen­ position of real property or any estate or Interest in real property, sation, if in its judgment, it is necessary or expedient so to do in or­ by the North Carolina Agency for Public Telecommunications, shall der to carry out any of its plans for telecommunications services, be subject to prior review by the Governor and Council of State, under the allthorization of this Part. and shall become effective only after the same has been approved by the Governor and Council of State. Upon the acqUisition of real Section 143B-422.9. Treasurer of the Agency.-The Board shall property or other estate therein, by the North Carolina Agency for select its own treasurer from among the at large members. The Public Telecommunications, the fee title or other estate shall vest Board shall require a surety bond of such appointee in such amount In and the instrument of conveyance shall name "North Carolina as the Board may fix, and the premium or premiums thereon shall Agency for Public Telecommunications" as grantee, lessee, or trans- be paid by said Board as a necessary expense of said Agency. , (cree. Upon the disposition of real property or any interest or estate therein, the instrument of conveyance or transfer shall be executed Section 143B-422.1 O. Deposit and disbursement of funds.-AII by the North Carolina Agency for Public Telecommunications. The Agency funds shall be deposited in a bank or banks to be designated approval of any transaction by the Governor or Council of State by the Board. Funds of the Agency shall be paid out only upon war­ may be evidenced by a duly certified copy of excerpt of minutes of rants signed by the treasurer of the Agency and countersigned by the meeting of the Governor and the Council of State, attested by the Chairman or the acting chairman. No warrants shall be drawn or the private secretary to the Governor or the Governor, reciting such authorized by this Part and only when the account or expenditure approval, affixed to the instrument of acquisition or transfer, and for which the same is to be given in payment has been audited and said certificate may be recorded as a part thereof, and the same shall approved by the Board or its Chairman. Any and all revenues re­ be conclusive evidence of review and approval of the subject trans­ ceived by the Agency from its operations shall be handled according action by the Governor and Council of State. The Governor, acting to policies determined by the Board. with the approval of the Council of State, may delegate the review and approval of such classes of lease, rental, easement, or right-of­ Section 143B-422.11. Annual audit; copies to be furnished.­ way transactions as he deems advisable, and he may likewise dele­ At least once in each year the State Auditor shall cause to be made gate the review and approval of the severance of buildings and tim­ a detailed audit of all moneys received and disbursed by the Agency ber from the land. during the preceding year. Such audit shall show the several sources from which funds were received and the balance on hand at the be­ Section 143B-422.7. Issuance of bonds.-(a) As a means of ginning and end of the preceding year and shall show complete fi­ raising the funds needed from time to time in the acquisition, con­ nancial cond ition of the Agency. A copy of the said aud it shall be struction, eqUipment, maintenance and operation of any facility, furnished 'to each member of the Board and to the officers thereof building, structure, telecommunications equipment or systems or and to the Governor, the Department of Adminj~tration and the At­ any other malter or thing Which the Agency is herein authorized torney General. to acquire, construct, equip, maintain, or operate, all or any of them, the said Agency is hereby authorized, with the approval of Section 143B-422.12. Purchase of supplies, material and equip­ the Advisory Budget Commission, at one time or from time to time ment.-AII the provisions of Article 3 of Chapter 143 of the General to Issue negotiable revenue bonds of the Agency. The principal and Statutes relating to the purchase of supplies, material and equip­ interest of such revenue bonds shall be payable solely from the rev­ ment by the State government are hereby made applicable to the enue to be derived from the operation of all or any part of its prop­ North Carolina Agency for Public Telecommunications. erties and facilities. (b) A pledge of the net revenues derived from the operation of said properties and facilities, all or any of them, Section 143B-422.13. Liberal construction of Part.-It is in­ shall be made to secure the payment of said bonds as and When tended that the provisions of this Part shall be liberally construed they mature. (e) Revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this to 'accomplish the purposes provided for, or intended to be pro­ Part shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the State of North vided for, herein, and where a strict construction would result in Carolina or a pledge of the faith and credit of the State. The issu­ the defeat of the accomplishment of any of the acts authorized. ance of such revenue bonds shall not directly or indirectly or con­ herein, and a liberal construction would permit or assist in the ac­ tingently obligate the State to le~y or to pledge any form of taxa­ complishment thereof, the liberal construction shall be chosen. tion whatever therefore or to make any appropriation fortheir pay- APPENDIX F: Proposed Statute for the Department of Administration

Amendment to G.S. Section 143-340. It will repeal subsection 14 sibility, the Secretary shall be empowered and authorized to do such and replace it with a new subsection 14. of the following things as he may deem necessary and advisable: (a) To establish, manage, and operate, through either state (14) To exercise full responsibility and authority for all tele­ ownership or commercial leasing, the following systems and services communications matters relating to the internal management and as they affect the internal management and operation of state gov­ operations of state government. In order to implement said respon- ernment: ------.---, ---,) ------

107

(1) central telephone systems and telephone networks (g) Pursuant to Sections 143-341, 146, to review, coordi­ (2) teleprocessing systems and data networks nate, approve, or disapprove re4'!A~~ by state agencies for state gov· .(3) teletype and facsim:le services ernment property acquisition, disposl~ipn, or construction for tele· (4) word processing systems or networks communications systems requirements. (5) satellite services (h) To provide a continuous, comprehensive analysis and (6) closed-circuit TV systems inventory of telecommunications costs, facilities, systems, and per· (7) two-way radio systems sonnel within state government, and to develop an annual report. (8) microwave systems (i) To promote, coordinate, and assist In the design and en­ (9) any and all systems based on emerging and future gineering of emergency telecommunications systems, including but telecommunications technologies. not limited to 911, Emergency Medical Servic!)s, and other emergen· (b) To charge respective User agencies for their proportion­ cy telecommunications services. ate part of the cost of maintenance and operation of the above­ (j) To perform frequency coprdination and management for named systems and services in accordance with the rule, and regu­ state and local governments, including all public safety radio service lations adopted by the Secretary and approved by the Governor and frequencies, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Council of State, pursuant to Section 143-341 (8) k. Federal Communications Commission or any successor federal (c) To develop coordinated telecommunications services or agency. systems within and among all agencies and departments, and to re­ ( k) To advise alt state agencies and institutions on telc­ quire, where appropriate, cooperative utilization of telecommunica­ communications management planning and related matters and to tions by aggregating users. provide training to users within state government in telecommuni­ (d) To perform traffic analysis and engineering for all such cations technology and systems. telecommunications services and systems. (I) To develop policies and long-range plans, consistent with (e) Pursuant to Section 143-49, to establish and enforce all the protection of citizens' rights to privacy and access to informa· telecommunications specifications and designs so as to assure com­ tion, for the acquisition and use of telecommunications systems; patibility of the systems within state government. and to base such policies and plans on current Information about (f) Pursuant to Sections 143·49, 143-50, to review,coordi­ state telecommunications actiVities in relation to the full range of nate, approve, or disapprove requests by state agencies for the pro­ emerging technologies. curement of telecommunications systems or services, including tele­ (m) To work cooperatively with the North Carolina Agency communications studies and consultation contracts for internal for Public Telecommunications In furthering the purposes of this management use. subsection. APPENDIX G: Proposed Statute for the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina Center for Public Television

(DRAFT of March 14, 1979) of Governors; four persons to be appointed by the Governor; and ex officio, the Secretary of the Department of Cultural Resources, the A BILL TO BE ENTITLED Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, the Superinten' AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE ESTABLISHMENT OF dent of Public Instruction, and the State President of the Commu· nity College System. In making initial appointments to the Board of THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CENTER FOR Trustees, the Board of Governors shall designate four persons for PUBLIC TELEVISION two· year terms and four persons for four-year term~, anct the Gov· ernor shall designate two persons for two-year terms and two persons for four-year terms. Thereafter, following expiration of The General Assembly of North Carollna enacts: the initial appointments, the term of office of persons designated Section 1. There is hereby written a new G.5. 116-37.1, to read by the Board of Governors or by the Governor as members of the as follows: Board of Trustees shalf be four years. In making Initial and subse­ 1/116-37.1. Center for public television. (a) The Board of Gov­ quent appOintments to the Board of Trustees the Board of Gover· ernors is hereby authorized and directed to establish 'The University nors and the Governor shall give consideration to promoting diver­ of North Carolina Center for Public Television' (hereinafter called sity among the membership, to the end that, in meeting the respon· 'the Center'). It shalt be the functions of the Center, through itself sibilities delegated to it, the Board of Trustees will reflect and be or agencies with whom it may contract, to provide research, devel· responsive to the t:liverse needs, interests, and concerns of the citi­ opment, and production for noncommercial educational, cultural, zens of North Carolina., and other public service television; to provide distribution of tele­ (d) No person shalt be appointed by the Board of Governors or vision programming through the broadcast facilities licensed to The by the Governor to the Board of Trustees who is anemlJioyee of University of North Carolina; and otherwise to enhance the uses of the State or of any constituent institution; a public officer of the televi5ion for public purposes. State as defined in G.S. 147-1, G.S. 147-2, and G.S. 147-3(C); a (0) The Center shall have a board of trustees, to bt> named 'The member of the General AssemblYi a member of the Board of Gov­ Board of Trustees of The University of North Carolina Center for ernors; a trustee of a constitUent institution of The University of Public Television' (hereinafter called 'the Board of Trustees'). The North Carolina; or the spouse of any of the foregoing. And any Board of Governors IS hereby authorized and directed to establish appointed member of the Board of Trustees Who after appointment the Board of Trustees of the Center and to delegate to the Board of becomes any of the foregoing shall be deemed to have resigned from Trustees such powers and duties as the Board of Governors deems the Board of Trustees. necessary or appropriate for the effective discharge of the functions (e) Each ex officio member of the Board of TrusteeS shall per­ of the Center. sonally serve on the Board of Trustees but may designate in writing (c) The Board of Trustees of the Center shall be composed of the a proxy for specified meetings which the ex officio member finds he following membership: eight persons to be appointed by the Board or she is unable reasonably to attend. 108

«() Each appointive member of the Board of Trustees shall per­ Section 2. G.S. 116-36 is hereby amended by redesignating sub­ sonally serve on the Board of Trustees without benefit of proxy. sections (j) and (k) thereof as subsections (1:) and (i), respectively, Any .appointive member who fails} for any reason other than jJJ and inserting a new subsection OJ, to read as follows: health or service in the Interest of the S tate or the nation to attend itO) The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina three consecutive regular meetings of the Board of Trustees, shall shall establish and maintain in a manner not inconsistent with the be deemed to have resigned from the Board of Trustees. prOVisions of this section or with regulations established under this (g) When any vacancy among the appointive membership of the section an endowment fund for all endowment funds now held or Board of Trustees is created by death or resignation, the principal hereafter acquired for the benefit of The University of North Caro­ officer of the Board of Trustees shall promptly notify the Secretary lina Center for Public Television_" of The University of North Carolina, who shall expedite the filling of the vacancy for the remainder of the pertinent appointive term Section 3. G.S. 116-36 at new SUbsection (k) thereof is hereby by written notice of such vacancy to the Board of Governors or the amended in the third line by inserting after the word "Press," the Governor, as the case may require. phrase "or The University of North Carolina Center for Public Telc­ (h) "rhe Center shall have as its chief administrative officer a Di­ vision./I rector, who shall be elected by the Board of Governors upon recom­ mendation of the President and who shall be responsible to the Scction 4. This act shall be effective upon ratification. President. The Center shall have such other staff as the Board of Governors may provide for."

APPENDIX H: Summary of the Report of the Radio Advisory Committee

On july 5, 1978, Herbert L. Hyde, Chairman, North Carolina group or institution (or combination) in its area, and, as required by Task Force on Public Telecommunications, appointed a Special Ad­ federal regulation, all programming is the responsibility of the local visory Committee on Public Radio in North Carolina to recommend licensee. a plan that would assure "the benefits of public radio services across 3. The State of North Carolina should make financial contribu­ the State." tions to each qualified or developing station, but the state's contri­ On June 16,1978, the North Carolina General Assembly had en­ bution to qualified, fully developed stations should never be as acted into law a b ill that directed the Un Iverslty' of North Carolina much as half the annual operating cost (although a greater portion "to deSign, plan, and insofar as possible implement a statewide pub­ may be contributed to developing stations), and in no case is fund­ lic J=M radio network." A sum of $125,000 was made available to ing to be tied to programming considerations. carry out the intentions of the Act. 4. A station becomes qualified when it meets the criteria estab­ On july 14, 1978, Ch

Un less otherwise noted, all quotations and references in the text of the report of the Task Force are from Task Force prcsentatiQns, Inter· views and questionnaires. Copies of all of these materials are on file at the Task Force office. The following sources were also used in the preparation of INTERCONNECTIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND;

CHAPTER II·A: "Field Experiment Indicates PSAs Are Ineffective," Record, The Annenberg School of Communications, September, 1978. Stroud, Michael, East Cary Junior High School, Cary, N.C. january 16, 1979. Interview. Weaver, Marinellc, Trinity High School, Trinity, N.C. January 18, 1979. Interview.

CHAPTER II·B: Halpern, Sylvia, and Rappaport, Wanda, "TELEHEALTH: Support for the Isolated Health Care Provider," Commitment. Spring, 1978. Rappaport, Wanda, The MITRE Corporation, McLean, Virginia. December 10,1978. Interview.

CHAPTER II-C: Cannady, Ed, Durham 911 Center. March 9,1979. Interview. Harris, Susan, 911 Assistant, Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Raleigh, N.C. February 26, 1979. Interview. Harris, Susan, "A Case for the 911 Emergency Phone System in North Carolina," N.C. County Lines. January 31,1978. Langford, David L., "Phone 911: Assistance or Hangup?" Associated Press article in Durham Morning Herald, Durham, N.C. February 5, 1979. "The Round Table," FIre Engineering. May, 1978.

CHAPTER /1-0: Osborn, Benjamin T., and Reiman, Richard j., "Rural Land Use Mapping by Satellite: A Case Study of Region D COG, North Carolina," Carolina Planning. Spring, 1978. Reiman, Richard, and Gaines, judith, "Looking to the Heavens for a Land-Usc Planning Guide," Appalachia. Aprll·May, 1977. Reiman, Richard, Department of Administration, Raleigh, N.C. March 1,1979. Interview.

CHAPTER II-E: Martin, james, Communications Satellite Systems {Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1970j, Steering Committee for the Metropolitan Communications Systems Study of the Board of Telecommunications-Computer Applications, Assembly of Engineering, National Research Council, "Estimates of the Substitutability of Telecommunications for Travel," TelecommunIcations for Metropol/tan Areas: Opportunities for the 1980's, National Academy of Sciences, Wash­ ington, D.C. 1978. The reports cited arc: National Academy of Engineering, Telecommunications for Enhanced Metropolitan Function and Form, National Academy of Engineering, Washington, D.C. 1969 Nilles, J. M., and Gray, P., "Telecommuting-A Possible Transport Substitute," The Logistics and Transportat/on Review. Vol. II, No.2. 1975 Tyler, M., Katsoulis, M., and Cook, A., Telecommunications and Energy Policy, Office ofTelecommunlcatons PoliCY, Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 1976 Wood, Fred B., Coates, Vary T., Chartrand, Robert L., and Ericson, Richard F., "Videoconferencing Via Satellite: Open­ ing Congress to the People," Summary Report, prepared by the Program of Policy Studies in Science and Technology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. February, 1978.

CHAPTER JJ1: N.C. Center for Public Policy Research, Cable Television In North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C. 1978. Harvey, Dr. George, Durham City Schools, Durham, N.C. January 4, 1979. Interview. johnston, Cheryl, Hillside High School, Durham, N.C. January 4, 1979. Interview. Reid, DaVid, and Weigand, Richard, Durham Cablevision, Durham, N.C. January 4, 1979. Interview.

CHAPTER I\{: Payne,Susan, Durham Technical Institute, Durham, N.C. January 9,1979. Interview. Information for the map of cable television systems was made available by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. ..

CHAPTER V: "Telecommunications and Community Security." See reference for National Research Council report on Telecommunica- tions for Metropolitan Areas: Opportunities for the 1980's under Chapter II·E.

CHAPTER VI: Carnegie Commission on the Future of Public Broadcasting, A Public Trust, Bantam Books, New York, N.Y. 1979.

APPENDIX K: Martin, James, Future Developments in Telecommunications (Englewood Cliffs, N.j.: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1977). 110 APPENDIX J: Acknowledgments

An astounding number of people provided Invaluable advice phone Company: James W. Heins. Western Electric: Herman Kurre. and assistance to the Task Force. Any list of acknowledgments is Carolina Telephone Company: Willis Marshall. N.C. Independent bound to be incomplete, and can hardly bllgin to express the depth Telephone Association: Carl Sapp. Lawrence Behr Associates: of the Task Force's gratitude to our many friends. To all of those Lawrence Behr, Perry Wheless. Summit Communications: Lee Wal­ who helped-public officials, technical experts, representatives of lenhaupt. private Industry, and concerned citizens-we give our sincere thanks. Other official liaisons and their affiliations included: Friends of Our utmost thanks must go to the Mary Reynolds Babcock and University Television: John Clark. Duke University: William Green. the John and Mary R. Markle Foundations, not only for their gener­ N.C. State PTA: Jan Holem. Raleigh News and Observer: David ous funding, but also for the advice and support supplied by their Jones. N. C. Council of Churches: Collins Kilburn. N.C. Center for staffs, especially Bill Bondurant at Habcock and Jean Flrstenberg Public Policy Research: Betsy Taylor, Tom Earnhardt. Research Tri­ and flope McCorkle at Markle. angle Institute: Thomas Cook. Institute of Government: Elmer Special gratitude must go to Elsie Brumback and George Bair, Oettir.ger. N.C. Association of County Commissioners: Butch Gun­ who ably represented Task Force members A. Craig Phillips and nels. Southwest Regional Education Center: Robert Byrd. Congres­ William C. Friday. at a number of meetings they were unable to sional staff of Rep. Charles G. Rose III: John Merritt, Toni Nelson. attend. National Telecommunications and Information Administration: The Task Force deeply appreciates the efforts of four volunteer Forrest Chisman, Kim Degnan, William LUcas, Roger Reinke. Addi­ advisors: Lt. Col. Scott Reed, Sanford Smith, Dr. Wesley Wallace, tional liaisons: Marilyn Bentov, Catherine Sebo, Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Stanley Webster; and the time devoted by members of the Wright, and Robert Miss. Special Advisory Committee on Public Radio, which Dr. Wallace The Task Force heard over 50 presentations at its meetings. chaired: Julian Burroughs, Charles Crutchfield, Dr. Nathaniel Full­ The interest and participation of the individuals who made these wood, Valeria Lee, Gary Shivers, and Donald Trapp. Joseph Ross, presentations was integral to our work. Our profound thanks go to a member of the Task Force, also served on the Radio Committee. each of these people, Who are listed in the Chronology of Events in A large number of representatives from the various depart­ Chapter 1 of this Report. In addition, we appreciate the reports ments of state government participated In Task Force meetings made by Susan Harris and William Lynch regarding the work of the throughout the year, and acted as liaisons, including: 911 Task Force. Department of Administration: Max Baldwin, Charles Chap­ Personal interviews about the service objectives of public agen­ man, Mike Davis, Luther Green, Billy Ray Hall, Jim Hathaway, cies were held with over 100 officials including, in the CUltural, edu­ W. Hellmuth, Robert Johns, Frank Leatherman, Charles Long, cational, and information services category: George Bair, Elsie Brum­ Bruce Merritt, Joyce Nance, George Probst, Don Schmidt, J. K. back, William Carpenter, Joe Carter, Janice Christensen, Alan Coop­ Sherron, John Talton, Carol Tyler, Harold Webb. Administrative er, Ted Drain, Jim Hall, Gene Hinton, Sara Hodgkins, Elizabeth Office of the Courts: C. R. Puryear, Jr. Department of Agriculture: Koontz, David McKay, Katherine Moore, Joe Porter, William Price, Carlyle Teague. Department of the State Auditor: Brad Buie. De­ Pat Sears, Jack Setliff, Johnny Shaver, Alberta Smith, Robert Suder­ partment of Commerce: A. W. Allers, Frank Coan, Robert Koger. berg, Larry Tise, Larry Wheeler, and Charlie Williams. In the health Department of Correction: Ralph Strickland. Department of Crime and social services category: Ben Aiken, James Bernstein, Sam Cole, Control and Public Safety: Cliff Blalock, Chris Griffin, Susan Har­ Drucie French, Earl Griffith, Rance Henderson, Ron Levine, Bill ris, William Lynch, Collin McKinne, and Virginia Neb. Department Loftin, Hal Maness, Elizabeth Martin, Drew Melvin, Ernest Phillips, of Cultura: Resources: David McKay, William Price, Mary Regan, Minta Saunders, Carl Van Cott, Robert Ward, W. B. Waters, and Pat Sears, Alberta Smith, Larry Wheeler. Department of Public Edu­ Nathan Yelton. In the public safety services category: Cliff Blalock, cation: Elsie Brumback, Ken Herman, W. F. Pugh, Johnny Shaver, William Corley, Don CUrtis, Rufus Edmisten, Ken Farmer, Harold Marsellette Smith. General Assembly: Doug Carter, Hilda Highfill. Greene, Susan Harris, F. Hooks, David Kelly, Howard Kramer, Bill Office of the Governor: Betty Owen. Department of Human Re­ Lynch, Collin Mci

Riddle,* Peter Rumsey, Mary Alice Sechler, Wanda Smith, Deva From the Universities o(North Carolina: Appalachian State Wright, and Pat Yancey. (Those starred participated in Services in­ University: Richard D. Arnold, Ron Rankins, Dr. Patton B. Reig­ terviews.) We Would especially like to thank Linda Smith, librarian hard. East Carolina University: Nancy Davey, Richard S. Lennon, for the Policy staff, for her invaluable assistance in research. Divi­ Jr., Ralph L. Scott, Julian R. Varnigh. Elizabeth City State Univer­ sion head Arnold Zogry provided constant advice and support to the sity: George F. Bowie, III. Fayetteville State University: Stephen Task Force. Maggy Sargent was a helpful proofreader and suggested Byrd, Robert L. Collins, C. C. Cotton, John V. Parham. North Caro­ valuable editorial iniprovements. lina State University: H. L. Buckmaster, J. E. Higgins, David Lom­ We would like to thank some other people who provided help bardi, David Norris, S. C. Schlitzkus, George Worsley. Pembroke In various ways, including Sam Bryan, who wrote knowledgeably State University: Mr. Ramson. UNC at Asheville: Jack Bagwell, BIll about uses of telecommunications in training of handicapped per­ Fuller, William H. Pott. UNC at Chapel HIli: Charles Antle, Jr., sons; and Robert Pearson of the North Carolina Education Comput­ james J. Batter, Erwin A. Danzinger, Alan B. McIntyre. UNC at ing SerVice, who was a very special friend, supplying the TilSk Force Charlotte: Ed Ayers, Leo E. Ells, Jerry Hudson, Donald M. Mac­ with up-to·date information about new technologies and their appli­ Kay. UNC at Wilmington: Charles Sanders, III, Donald B. Tivette, cation. We were grieved to learn of his death in the fall of 1978. R. O. Walton, Jr. Western Carolina University: Robert Anders, Dr. Jeff Gelbard of I BM provided valuable technical assistance. Special C. J. Carter. N.C, Educational Computing Services: Louis Parker. thanks to Julia Huggins of the Governor's Office for her help. Schoof Computing Services Corporation: Edward G. Blakeway. The Task Force would like to also thank the following people North Carolina Speciality Hospitals and Schools: Eastern N.C. who assisted in collecting facilities information: Department of Ad­ Hospital: J. G. Doby. Lenox Baker Children's Hospital: Mary Lee ministration: Doug Bailey, Jack Barnes, Charles Chapman, Bill Giles, Dennis. N.C. Memorial Hospital: A. S. Melvin, Jr., Lyman A. Rip­ Herman Hooper, Bob Johns, Frank Leatherman, AI Little, Charles perton, Charles H.. Wessell. N.C. School of the Arts: Paul Boynton. Long, Bruce Merritt, Mickey Munns, JacK Savage, Don Schmidt, Private companies: Cablevision of Raleigh: Edward R. GUn­ David H. Thornton, Ben Woodlief. Department of Agriculture: Jim ther. Durham Cablevislon: David Reid, Richard S. Weigand. Fayette­ Lind burger. Department of State Auditor: Brad Buie. Department ville Cablevision, Inc.: Randall Fraley. Southern Bell: Jim Broad­ of Commerce: Joe Elliott, Durwood Lewis. Department of Crime well. Thoms Cable TV of Asheville: John Jerose. Western Electric Control and Public Safety: Cliff Blalock, Major Earl T. Green, Collin Company: William L. Broderick, H. H. Kurre. McKinne, and William B. Sloop. Department of EdUcation, Division Other who were helpful in collecting facilities information are: of Public Instruction: Charles R. Williams. Department of Human Center for Excellence, Williamsburg, Virginia: John A. Curtis. Infor­ Resources: Don Chalmers, Pete Grimes, Mitch Moore, Carl C. Van mation Systems Department, Charlotte, N.C.: Joseph R. Motto. Cott, Jimmy Willette, Jim Wroten. Department of Justice: Charles Management Services, Winston-Salem, N.C.: Slim H. Owen. N.C. Copeland, William C. Corley, C. R. Puryear. Natural Resources and Center for Public Policy Research: Henry Wefing. Community Development: Don Curtis, James H. Hall, Ray Johnson, Special thanks to members of the ICSAR Group assisting in the D. Warren Lupton, H. E. Mew, Jr., Carol Simmermancher, Don October 25 meeting and satellite demonstration: National Associa­ Varner. National Guard: Lt. K. A. Peoples, Captain Robert E. Tripp. tion for Search and Rescue: Lois Clark McCoy. Western Electric Department of Transportation: Elizabeth Laney, Lee Phillips, Corporation: Ben Bemis. Goddard Space Flight Center: John Wood­ Laeron Roberts, J. G. Wilson. Department of State Treasurer: Pete ruff. And also those assisting in the April 13 satellite demonstration: Strickland. Division of Wildlife Resources: Charles Overton. Public Service Satellite Consortium: Jean BraUnstein, Robert A. From the Community Colleges and Technical Institutes: Cald­ Mott and Douglas Widner. well Community College: Donald P. Altieri. Central Piedmont Com­ Artwork and Photography: Nancy Tuttle provided all artwork munity College: Hoyle Blalock, Worth Campbell, Harold Walker. including maps in Chapter III. The map in Chapter li-D Is courtesy College o'f the Albemarle: Gerald Bray. Davidson County r::lmmu­ of Appalachia magazine. The photograph in Chaper II-B of the nity College: Bob G. Manning, Frank A. Thacker, John A. Thomas. Memorial Hospital telemetry project is courtesy of Dick Brl)wn of Sandhills Community College: Bernard E. Marsh. Southeastern the Public Affairs Office of Memorial Hospital, Chapel HIli. The Community College: R. G. Stanley. Western Piedmont Community photograph in Chapter II of Hillside High cable activities is by College: Kenneth N. Clark. Cape Fear Technical Institute: Walter J. Cheryl Johnston. The photograph of a microprocessor In Chapter V Thomas, Jr., Danny Weddle. Durham Technical Institute: Mellie is from Intel Corp., and courtesy of IBM. All other photographs are Belvin, John Johnson, Sandra Munn, Susan Payne. Guilford Tech­ from Lucy Vance (Department of Administration) and David Stev­ nical Institute: Lile F. Pepino, Nelson R. Wallace. Sampson Tech­ ens (Task Force staff). nical Institute: William M. Rauss. 112 APPENDIX K: Glossary of Terms Used in This Report

NOTE: Air definitions In this Glossary reflect the specific meaning of the term as used in this report.

ADP Automatic data frocessing: the application of computer systems, storage, media, and Input/output devices to the manage- • ment and the manipulation of data.

AESP The Appalachian Education Satellite Program.

AM Amplitude modulation: one of several ways of n;~difylng a radio wave to carry Information: also, the radio band allocated to AM radio services. (sec FM.) analog A rorm of Information which is represented by continuous waw forms that vary as the source varies. (See digitaL)

APT The Agency for Public Telecommunications proposed by the Task Force. broadband A range of frequencies wider than that required for Just voice communications. Broadband channels arc used predominant­ ly for delivery of video material and for high-speed data transmission. (See narrowband.) broadcasting Transmission of Information in one direction to a number of receivers, normally using the airwaves by electromagnetic propagation .. (See also nonbroadcast distribution.) cable television A multi-channel reception and distribution system for audio and video signals. Reception is by a master antenna, satel­ lite groundlinl<, or leased circuits, all of which can provide both local and distant signals to subscribers. Distribution is by coaxial cable linking a central facility and subscribers. Newer systems can provide interactive capabilities. Cable systems arc typically commercial enterprises franchised to serve a community. closed·clrcult A distribution system In which television sets are connected (usually by coaxial cables) to a central information source­ television cameras, microphones, and/or videotape players. As opposed to cable systems, closed'circuit systems are usually confined to a specific area such as a, college campus. CPO The Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

DecPS The North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. dial access A method by Which telephone users can use that network to directly dial another telephone, a computer, or other deVice, as opposed to requiring an operator's or other manual assistance. digital A form of information which is represented by signals at discrete intervals. (See analog.) direct satellite A broadcast concept In which (usually) television signals would be transmitted from communications satellites directly to broadcast (DBS) home receivers. Under this concept, many television stations and networks, especially distant ones, would feed their signals to the satellite for transmission to homes. downlink 'Transmlssion path from a communications satellite to a receiver station (ground link) on earth. (See uplink.) electronic mail The delivery of correspondence, sometimes including graphics, by electronic means, usually involving the interconnection of word processing, facsimile, and computer equipment. Reception can be by electronic video display of text or by print­ out. (See facsimile, word processing.) facsimile Transmission of images of origin?1 documents (including both print and graphics) by electronic means-usually via the tele­ phone network. (See electronic mail, word processing.)

FCC The Federal Communications Commission.

FM Frequency modulation: orie of several ways of modifying a radio wave to carry information: also, a radio band allocated to FM radio services. (See AM.) frequency The number of periodic waves (such as radio or televiSion) in a given amount of time, expressed in cycles per second. Dif­ ferent frequencies define the channels of radio or television signals. 113

groundlink An earth station for communication with a satellite.

hardware The electronic equipment (computers, terminals, telephones, switchboards, etc.) of telecommunications and/ol' data processing systems. (See software.)

lTV Instructional television. As opposed to broadly educational or cultural television programming, lTV Is dedicated to the sup­ port of formal classroom education.

interactive Descriptive of a telecommunications system whose response time to user Input Is nearly immediate.

IN-WATS (Wide Area Telephone Service.) A telephone service permitting Users to make long-distance toll-free calls to a central lo­ cation, often an 800 area code number. Charges to the IN-WATS center are made on a monthly flat-rate basis within cer­ tain limits.

line-of-sight Descriptive of distribution systems on the surface of the earth which must take Into account th(\ earth's curvature or physical obstacles that would obstruct the signal.

longline A group of different technologies, including microwave, cable, and satellite, which are combined to distribute Information over great distances.

memory A computer's capability of storing information; the computer component in which information is stored.

microprocessor A subminiature computing device which can both process and store information.

microwave A radio wave of less than 10 centimeters length which is used for the transmission of many types of Information-e.g., voice, data, and video signals. Microwave transmission/reception systems can carry many signals at once. These systems operate on a terrestrial line-of-slght basis-that is, mountains or the curvature of the earth, for example, can obstruct sig­ nals. Thus, microw

modem A contraction of "modulator-demodulator." A device which can convert signals from one form to another-for example, to maka business machine signals compatible with telephone lines.

911 (Pronounced "nine-one-one" and not "Nine-eleven.") A three-digit telephone number set aside for use by the public to gain access to emergency services in those communities that have established such a system.

narrowband A range of frequencies not wide enough to include video signals; used primarily for voice signals. (See broadband.)

nonbroadcast Transmission of information oVer any distribution path except those designated by the FCC for public and commercial distribution television and radio-i.e., not over specified AM or FM radio frequencies, or over television channels 2-83. (See also broad­ casting.)

NPR National Public Radio.

NTIA The National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the United States Department of Commerce.

on-line Connection to a central computer, often remotely and involving the nearly instantaneous entering of information to a processor. (See teleprocessing.)

optical fiber Threads of glass that have been manufactured to transmit signals of light generated by lasers or light-emitting diodes. Opti­ cal fiber transmission systems offer a very large signal-carrying capacity.

packet-switching A technique, usually digital, in which 'input information-voice or data-is broken into short "packets" allowing high­ capacity, high-speed transmission. At the receiver's end of the transmission, the information is reassembled into its origil1ill form.

~ ; PBS The Public Broadcasting Service.

public access A channel on a cable television system made available for local citizen use. channel

radio bridging The ability to interconnect one radio frequency with another.

rapid trans- A system which allows for high-speed transmission of video signals which /jan be received, stored, and played back at nor­ mission system mal speed at the user's convenience.

remote data entry Use of a device permitting direct access to a computer in a different location. (See on-line, teleprocessing.) 114 repeater A d(iytcc uSlId to restore signals which have been distorted or weakened to their original shape and transmission strengthj also used to transmit these signals in one or more directions. seA Subsidiary Communications Authorization. Portions of a f,'equency allocated to a radio or television broadcast station which are not used for the main sIgnal, but whlcn, with appropriate equipment and licensing, can be used to distribute in­ formation In addition to the main signal. Those receiving {:) signal must also have special equipment. SCA's are not ceq­ sldered as broadccst sys,ems. SeA's on radio broadcast stations may b(! leased for comme(cial background music in shop­ ping areas, services to handicapped persons, training programs for special target groups, etc. sec TIHl State Computer Center, part of the Management Systems Division of the North Carolina Department of Adminis­ tration.

sideband The range of h'equencies on both sides of the main frequency content of a radio signal.

software COff1puter programs; the instructions that determine the steps to be followed by computer system hardware. (See hal'd­ ware.)

telecommunl· Any origination, creation, transmission, emission, storage, retrieval, or reception of signs, signals, writin~, images, and cations sounds, or intelligence of any nature, by Wire, radio, televhion, optical, or other electromagnetic means; more generally, communications over distances.

teleconference The means whereby the Interactions between people who are in different places are conveyed eiectrically (in audio, video, graphic, or textual form).

telemetry Communication of information generated by measuring devices. A common application in health services is the transmis­ sion of electrocardiogram readings to a specialist in a medical center.

teleprocessing Data processing where the actual data manipulation Is performed at a processor that is electrically connected but physically remote from where the data is emtered or used. (See on-line, remote data entry.)

teletype A trademark of the Teletype Corporation. Used generically to refer to a system with keyboard printing devices connected to a computer or communication system. Also refers to the keyboard device.

Telpak The Bell System's term for the leasing of long-distance channels or circuits in groups of 12, 24, 60, or 240, at costs less than the Icasing of the same number of channels or circuits individually.

terminal A device which can send 01' receive information over a communications challnel. A computer terminal can enter data to a processor and can receive information on how the computer is processing the information. Other examples of terminal devices are telephones or teletypes.

text transmission Reception and distribution of printed text materials which may be displayed in a video screen format.

translator A repeater that amplifies and reshapes the form of a broadband signal.

Tuec The Triangle Universities Computation Center in Research Triangle Park between Durham and Raleigh.

two·way radio As treated In this report, the term "two-way radio" includes (1) land mobile radio services providing two-way (usually voice) communications between and among mobile vehicles, base stations, and portable hand-held units, with associated repeaters; (2) paging systems, which use the same frequencies as the above systems, but which are actually one-way voice and "beeper" systems.

uplink Transmission path from an earth station (groundlink) to a communications satellite. (See downlink.)

video disk A means of recording video programs on a magnetic disk.

word processing The application of computer technology to automate office functions. Among the capabilities of a word processing system are electronic storage and retrieval of documentsj electronic text correction anJ editingj and, by being linked to a tele­ communications distribution system, electronic mail and text transmission. (see facsimile, electronic mail.) -----<- -- r