Reduced Communications Costs Through Centralized Management of Multiplex Systems
Highlights
The Government's use of multiplex communications technology and the potential for increased exploitation of the technology to reduce long-distance communications costs are described. Long-distance and local communications services are used by the Government to process administrative data between user locations, to make computer inquiries, and to make high-speed bulk transfers of data between user locations. Significant savings and improved service can be achieved through centralized use of multiplex systems to satisfy Government communications requirements. Multiplexing, a technique whereby electronic devices at each end of a single circuit simultaneously transmit a number of messages, eliminates the need for numerous individual long-distance circuits between terminal points. The Department of Defense (DOD) and several civil agencies have developed multiplex systems, but not on a centralized Government-wide basis. If two Federal agencies could agree to share their multiplex systems under either joint or single management, the opportunities for economic benefits should increase. If all Federal agencies could agree, the opportunities for economic benefits should be maximized.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Management and Budget | The Director, Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, GSA, DOD, and other Federal agencies, should develop a policy, organizational structure, and implementing regulations to ensure that the Government is achieving the maximum benefits from multiplexing. The policy should require the use of multiplexing where economically and operationally feasible on a Government-wide basis. A single entity should be assigned responsibility for developing and managing multiplex systems for the entire Government. This entity must have the authority, necessary information, and adequate resources to fulfill the Government-wide management function envisioned. The implementing regulations should be designed to require compliance with the policy and to provide procedures that will ensure maximum benefits to the Government from multiplex technology. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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