E-rate Update - Estimated $2 Billion Requested
Message Posted May 1, 1998
APPLICANT DEMAND FOR E-RATE DISCOUNTS ESTIMATED AT $2 BILLION
The Schools and Libraries Corporation today released the following statement concerning an estimate of the amount of funds requested for E-rate so far. Although it's just a first estimate, I think it is very good news for applicants who filed for E-rate discounts during the 75-day window. It's also good news for those schools and libraries who missed the window but still wish to apply. I'll keep you updated as to a possible date that funding commitment letters may be mailed (probably late May). -- Julie
"Based on a statistical sampling of Universal Service Fund applications filed to date, the Schools and Libraries Corporation reported to the Federal Communications Commission today that the estimated demand for E-rate discounts for 1998 will be $2 billion. This estimate is part of the SLC's quarterly filing with the FCC.
The Universal Service Program is funded up to $2.25 billion annually by contributions from the telecommunications industry. The actual size of the fund for 1998 is expected to be established soon by the FCC. No actual funding commitments have been made to any Universal Service Fund applicants. The demand estimate figure is based purely on a statistical sampling of applications. The SLC is still in the process of reviewing the more than 30,000 applications it has received, and will not be making funding commitments for some time. Applicants who are approved for discounts will be notified directly, as will their service providers. At that time, the SLC will calculate the exact total of funding commitments and post this figure to the SLC web site.
--SLC
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Julie L. Tritt
Office of Educational Technology 717/787-5820
Pennsylvania Department of Education 717/787-7222 (fax)
333 Market Street, 10th Floor 00jtritt@psupen.psu.edu
Harrisburg, PA 17126 www.cas.psu.edu/pde.html
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