E-rate Update - FCC Releases Report to Congress
Message Posted May 11, 1998
FCC PROPOSES SINGLE ENTITY TO ADMINISTER UNIVERSAL SERVICE;
WILL SEEK PUBLIC COMMENT ON WHETHER TO REDUCE SIZE OF FUND
On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission released their mandated report to Congress on administration of the Universal Service Programs, including E-rate, and funding of those programs. The following is a brief synopsis of the lengthy report (most important paragraphs marked with ***). The impact of this announcement will be discussed at the upcoming Link-to-Learn workshops being held Tuesday, May 12 in Pittsburgh, Friday, May 15 in Harrisburg, and Wednesday, May 20 in Bethlehem. I look forward to seeing you.
-- Julie
*** In a Report to Congress submitted today, the Commission proposed a single entity that would administer all forms of federal universal service support. The Report responds to Congress' request that the Commission propose a single entity for administering universal service support for rural health care providers and schools and libraries. The Commission proposed that these duties be performed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the entity that currently administers the high cost and low income support mechanisms and that performs billing, collection, and disbursement functions for all of the universal service support mechanisms.
Noting that the USAC board includes individuals with the experience and expertise to understand and implement the distinct missions of the schools and libraries and rural health care support mechanisms as well as significant industry-wide representation of both contributors to and beneficiaries of the universal service support mechanisms, the
Commission concluded the best option in accordance with Congress' request would be for USAC to serve as the permanent, sole administrator. The Commission found that this option may best further the goals of efficient
administration and accountability while minimizing disruption of the on-going administration of the universal service support mechanisms. To preserve the distinct missions, expertise, and integrity of the schools and libraries and rural health care support mechanisms, board committees, subsidiaries, or divisions within USAC may be appropriate. The
Commission also proposed measures to foster greater accountability of the new USAC entity to Congress and the Commission.
To implement the proposed reorganization, the Commission requested that USAC and the current administrators of support for schools and libraries and rural health care providers jointly prepare and submit a plan of reorganization for approval by the Commission. The Commission intends to seek public comment on these proposals and consult with the Federal State Joint Board on Universal Service before taking final action. The proposed consolidation would become effective on January 1, 1999.
The Commission stated its understanding that Congress' request concerning revision of the administrative structure was sparked in part by a recent letter from the General Accounting Office (GAO) which concluded that the Commission lacked authority to direct the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), as a condition of its appointment as temporary universal service administrator, to create separate entities for the purposes of administering support for schools and libraries and rural health care providers. The Commission stated its belief that it did act lawfully, but
welcomed action by Congress to resolve the issues raised by the GAO's letter. Accordingly, the Commission respectfully requested from Congress specific statutory authority that would eliminate any question concerning
the Commission's authority in this regard.
In today's Report, the Commission also responded to Congress' request for information concerning funding and disbursements for the schools and libraries support mechanism. Included in the Report:
The Commission stated its concern that carriers provide clear and accurate information to subscribers regarding universal service surcharges on telephone bills. The Commission intends to seek comment on the extent to
which carriers are not providing complete or truthful information in connection with these surcharges, and what actions the Commission may take in this regard.
*** The Commission noted the tremendous need for universal service support demonstrated by schools and libraries in every state of the union. More than 30,000 applications for universal service support have been filed already by schools and libraries, with a projected demand for $2.02 billion in discounts.
*** Next week the Commission will issue a Public Notice seeking comment on whether funding for schools and libraries should equal demand or be limited to an amount that does not cause long distance rates to rise. (Note: we, the PA Dept. of Education, will pass along information regarding this public notice when it becomes available in order for schools and libraries to determine whether they want to submit comments to the FCC on this issue. -- Julie)
*** Based on preliminary information, the Commission estimated that the access charges long distance carriers pay to local telephone companies will be reduced by approximately $700 million on July 1, 1998. Accordingly, the Commission estimated that the quarterly collection rate for schools and libraries could rise from $325 million (the second quarter collection rate) to approximately $524 million without increasing payments by long distance carriers. As a result, schools and libraries could be funded at approximately $1.67 billion for the 1998 calendar year without increasing payments by long distance carriers.
To ensure that the benefits of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 extend to all Americans, Congress expanded universal service under the Act to provide, among other things, support to eligible schools and libraries. In so doing, Congress recognized that, by facilitating the deployment of advanced technologies to America's classrooms, the schools and libraries support mechanism represents a direct and vital investment in the community. Consistent with Congress' mandate, the Commission has taken steps to assure both that the schools and libraries support mechanism is adequately funded and that the expenditures made on behalf of eligible schools and libraries are delivered effectively and efficiently. The Commission said today's Report demonstrates the effective administration of this important new support mechanism.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Julie L. Tritt
Office of Educational Technology 717/787-5820
Pennsylvania Department of Education 717/787-7222 (fax)
333 Market Street, 10th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
| 
Back to 1998 Archives Main