E-rate Update - A Plea by the SLC Director
Message Posted April 3, 1998
This message was just sent to us and I wanted to forward it onto you all. I understand the tension you are all under regarding the desire to submit the forms as soon as possible, yet waiting because the SLC keeps on sending out clarifications. Please continue to keep Julie and I informed regarding any problems you encounter and if there is anything else we could be doing to help make this easier for you.
--John
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A plea by SLC Director to Hasten Application Submissions:
This afternoon, Ira Fishman, the SLC*s CEO, urged state officials to encourage applicants for universal service discounts to submit forms as soon as possible; not to wait until the last minute. Mr. Fishman also urged state and local officials to check the SLC Web site on a daily basis, if possible, during the next two weeks. In addition, he suggested take state officials make extra efforts to distribute as much of the SLC information to local schools and libraries, particularly those that may not have the capacity to view and download service support information. (See recent SLC posting below).
Mr. Fishman was concerned that many applications would fail to meet the processing standards. He stated that applications could be rejected for any of the reasons cited in the Minimum Processing Standards (SLC 3/31), e.g., 28-day posting for new services, correct and properly completed forms, previously filed 470s, complete certification. Ineligible applications will be quickly returned to the applicant with an explanation of the rejection. The SLC also plans to notify appropriate state or independent authorities when necessary. Certification of tech plan review and approval processes will be examined carefully, according to Fishman.
Congressional Oversight:
Tuesday morning, Ira Fishman testified on a panel before the House Commerce Telecommunications Subcommittee. The Committee focused on universal service provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, with special emphasis on School and Libraries. The five FCC Commissioners were on the panel that preceded direct attention to the SLC. House members gave the FCC Commissioners and SLC corporation officials an earful over the school and library fund. Several Congressmen were especially antagonistic over the cost of the fund and the *bureaucracy* created to administer the fund. Rep. John Barton (R-TX) was among the most critical. He said the cost to give all 40,000 applications Internet access should *cost less than $100 million.* Rep. John Dingle (D-MI) accused the FCC of *central planning* and believed the SLC salaries were beyond reason. Congressman Billy Tauzin
(R-LA) was also very critical to the work of the FCC in setting up the SLC.
The Schools and Libraries fund does not seem to in jeopardy; there still is substantial support for the program. However, the operation and structure of the corporation, and the total amount of funds originally estimated, $2.25 billion could be reduced. No way to predict an outcome at this time.
Recent SLC (www.slcfund.org) information:
Modest Revision to Minimum Processing Standards (April 1998)
Fact Sheet on Services to Administrative Offices and Buildings (Apr. 2, 998)
New, Improved Form 471 Pre-Discount Cost Calculation Optional Grid and Instructions (Apr. 2, 1998)
Instructions for Filling in Form 471 Pre-Discount Cost Calculation Optional Grid (Apr. 1, 1998)
Guidance for Service Start Date (Items 15/16, Column 7) (Apr. 1, 1998)
Updated Minimum Processing Standards (Apr. 1, 1998) Clarification of Tariff Services Advisory (Mar 31, 1998)
Free Service Advisory (Mar 27, 1998)
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John P. Bailey
Director 717-787-5820
Office of Educational Technology 717-787-7222 (fax)
Pennsylvania Department of Education assist@microserve.net
333 Market Street www.cas.psu.edu/pde.html
Harrisburg, PA 17101
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