FCC Ruling Makes Internet Access Possible for All Schools & Libraries

On May 7, 1997, in a historic ruling, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted to approve discounted telecommunications rates for schools and libraries. Under the new ruling, the FCC would require telecommunication providers to provide discounts of 20 to 90 percent with low-income and rural neighborhoods receiving the greatest discounts.

The FCC ruling received widespread praise from educational organizations throughout the country. "If America's children are going to have a fair shot at good jobs in the future, they need a fair and equal shot at the information superhighway," said Bob Chase, President of the National Education Association in a press release issued by the Education & Library Networks Coalition . These discounts will help to ensure that our schools don't become segregated into the technology-haves and the technology have-nots."

Chase's sentiments were echoed by educators and librarians who believe that access to technology will be a key ingredient to success in the workplace of the 21st century. In a statement issued by the National Educational Association (NEA), Marilyn Cross stated, "By providing schools and libraries affordable rates on everything from basic telephone service to state-of-the-art video-conferencing, we go a long way toward preparing students to succeed and participate fully in an increasingly technology-dependent world."

While the details of implementation must still be clarified, the FCC has worked out basic guidelines for eligible school and libraries. Those guidelines include:

Discounted rates for all eligible schools and libraries on telecommunication services including the Internet and internal connections;

Discounts of 20 to 90 percent with the higher discounts reserved for low-income, high-cost, and rural communities;

Total cost for these support services capped at $2.25 billion per year.

Reed Hundt, the Chairman of the FCC, stated that this ruling would create an opportunity for federal and state revenue to connect every classroom in the country to the Internet. The Chairman's hopes are shared by millions of parents. According to a recent survey by the NEA, a majority of parents believe that the FCC should require discounted rates on telecommunications for schools and libraries.

The implications of the FCC ruling are widespread. The FCC is encouraging educators to share ideas on how to use effectively the new discounted rates. The FCC has established a website for educators to exchange ideas and any concerns over the new ruling. Educators can also share information through the Public Broadcast System (PBS). PBS Online is offering a videoconference on June 3 from 1-2:30 (Eastern time) titled, "Maximizing Your E-Rate: Making the Most of New Telecommunications Discounts for Schools & Libraries." Educators can submit questions in advance and review useful information links.

The FCC Ruling will become effective on January 1, 1998.

Article by C.M. Gallagher
Education World
Copyright © 1997 Education World™

For more information, visit these websites:

May 7, 1997 Federal Communications Commission hearing

Statement of FCC Chairman, Reed Hundt

Maximizing Your E-Rate: Making the Most of New Telecommunications Discounts for Schools & Libraries.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The National Education Association

06/06/97