Great News: Year 6 Demand Estimate Lower Than Year 5
Message Posted April 14, 2003

The SLD released the preliminary demand estimates for Year 6 of the E-rate program (FY 2003) and for the first time since the program's inception, demand is lower (much lower). The funding demand is $4.7 billion, down $1 billion from Year 5's demand of $5.736 billion.

This figure, although promising, is still well over the annual cap of $2.25 billion. Based on prior years' demand, this figure likely indicates is that Year 6 internal connections funding will reach at least 80%, if not lower.

The SLD has been working overtime to review applications and I anticipate the first wave (a huge one) will be mailed at the very end of April. As always, I'll send an advance notice to you the week prior.

Julie Tritt Schell