Universal service in telecommunications is a topic that over the years has stimulated a considerable body of literature, both practical and scholarly. This volume is a valuable addition to that literature: it both summarises a large amount of previous work and addresses the topic from new angles. I have been continuously involved with universal service and related issues since 1989—first in the UK, later in Europe and now in a range of developing countries. As a consultant and consumer advocate, I have tried to keep abreast of relevant academic and policy debates. Most contributions reflect economic and/ or social policy perspectives, and this author’s legal perspective makes a welcome change. Clearly, modern electronic communications are of immense and growing importance for societies around the world, indeed for mankind as a whole. I share the author’s concern for careful thought about how far their provision is best left to market forces, and in what circumstances, and by what means, governments should intervene to achieve outcomes that seem beyond market forces—in particular, to ensure that communications services reach and include everyone.