Mixed Reviews for New E-Rate Rules
ALA stands by the Internet discount program, while lawmakers weigh the new changes
By Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 2/1/2004
Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO), who has called for eliminating the $2.25 billion in federal funds altogether, and Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT), who has made it a priority to "clean up" the program, are still examining recent adjustments to e-rate guidelines by the Federal Communications Commission. Close to 90 percent of public schools, 20 percent of private schools, and 65 percent of libraries nationwide receive the program's discounted Internet and telecommunications funds.
The new rules prohibit the transfer of equipment purchased with e-rate funds to other locations for three years and limit upgrades or replacement of internal connections to no more than twice every five years. In an effort to streamline the program, the FCC will also provide a list of services that are eligible to receive the discounts. "The changes made to the e-rate program are designed to increase program integrity," says Carrie Lowe, ALA's Internet policy specialist. Despite some congressional opposition to e-rate, ALA says dismantling the program will do more harm than good. "The elimination of the e-rate program would have a devastating effect," Lowe adds.
Meanwhile, the FCC has revealed that it has $420 million in unused school and library funds dating from 1999, which will be added to the monies allocated for funding year 2003. More information about the changes can be found at www.universalservice.org.
