Universal Service Update
Ken Sutton (kensut@crlc.org)
Tue, 16 Dec 1997 14:27:51 -0500
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 14:27:51 -0500
Message-Id: <v03110702b0bc78f0e5c4@[209.66.136.44]>
From: Ken Sutton <kensut@crlc.org>
To: Multiple recipients of list <conntech>
Subject: Universal Service Update
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>From: Kevin Taglang <kevint@BENTON.ORG>
>Subject: Universal Service Update
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>Courtesy of the National Exchange Carrier Association <http://www.neca.org>
>
>FCC Chairman William Kennard announced yesterday that universal service
>funding for schools and libraries and rural health care facilities will be
>cut by about 1/3 for the first half of 1998. Kennard said the initial
>contributions are being scaled back so the programs are not *overfunded.*
>Meanwhile, Commerce Committee Chairman Bliley suggested the FCC delay
>implementing the new universal service programs until the FCC can fully
>assess the impact on ratepayers.
>
>Under the revised plan, $625 million will be collected in the first half of
>1998 for the schools and libraries fund and $50 million for the rural health
>care fund. Kennard said the funding caps will remain at the original
>levels until the FCC determines how much funding will be needed for the
>second half of 1998. The Commission is expected to issue an Order today
>outlining carrier contributions based on the new figures.
>
>Meanwhile, MCI has stated that it does not plan to itemize the universal
>service costs on residential phone bills for the first six months of 1998
>and AT&T is likely to follow suit. Businesses, however, would see the cost
>of the contribution itemized.
>
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Kenneth Sutton
Office Manager & Technology Coordiantor
Capitol Region Library Council
599 Matianuck Avenue
Windsor CT 06095
Voice: 860-298-5319 ext 3001
FAX: 860-298-5328