The FCC ™s Universal Service Rules for Schools and Libraries Patricia Figliola Lewis Abstract: especially universal technology Universal three service tional Joint FCC The Telecommunications activity. The FCC Act of 1996 service. was given wide is considered the FCC latitude landmark performed the FCC legislation, even chose more the the in the area of universal service provisions However, narrowly groundbreaking by the Act to interpret impact of the Act either or broadly; latter. The FCC ™s interpretation implementation 1996, Service. commission Association Board FCC released ruled and The NPRM In March the FCC of the Act will have a significant and use in American issued a Notice also established nominated Consumer 1997. schools and libraries subject should classrooms of Proposed a Federal-State by the National consumer advocate Advocates. on the level of (NPRM) composed on of and libraries. Rulemaking Joint Board Commissioners Commissioners, of State (the Chairman and one utility Utility and two commissioners), four state public representatives Association nominated adopted receive billion forward according to purchase of Regulaby the Na8, 1996, the tory Utility On November its Recommended in May that all eligible Decision and the FCC its rules based discounts cap. of In on that recommendation The between Internet addition, 20 and 90 percent access, internal any funds schools (depending connections, regard on need) on all telecommunications to a $2.25 provision, flexibility annual services, and disbursed to the FCC, the services section of the and not disbursed and libraries in a given year may be carried to the cap. This the maximum needs as: switched network, with most with in subsequent will provide rules, l years without that will meet the FCC Voice-grade calls their communications defined access to the public effectively. In a separate the ability œcore services  to place receive l Dual Tone Multifrequency Single-party Access Access Access Access Support service to emergency to operator to directory consumers. as stated to interexchange for toll limitation signaling (touch-tone) or its functional equivalent l l services services services services (includes both toll blocking and toll control) to include schools (2) core for assistance. l l l l low-income However, services with some discounts in the Act, the FCC It could services; It stated meet their core was given the latitude have chosen to provide services; that discounts would package additional plus on all and effec- for schools and libraries. of additional FCC adopted flexibility would services. and libraries services (includ- on (1) only The telecommunications the third that to purchase option, complement or (3) all telecommunications this guideline whatever services be provided provide needs ing wireless). libraries services telecommunications the maximum they believe schools most of telecommunications telecommunications schools service to begin tively and efficiently. Current Statur: The FCC services legislation. on January + 1, 1998. ruled that it will permit The presentation using discounted status of this will discuss the current Computers and Society, June 1998

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