******************************************************** NOTICE ******************************************************** This document was converted from WordPerfect to ASCII Text format. Content from the original version of the document such as headers, footers, footnotes, endnotes, graphics, and page numbers will not show up in this text version. All text attributes such as bold, italic, underlining, etc. from the original document will not show up in this text version. Features of the original document layout such as columns, tables, line and letter spacing, pagination, and margins will not be preserved in the text version. If you need the complete document, download the WordPerfect version or Adobe Acrobat version, if available. ***************************************************************** Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of) ) Federal-State Joint Board on ) CC Docket No. 96-45 Universal Service ) SEVENTH ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION IN CC DOCKET NO. 96-45 Adopted: September 28, 1998 Released: September 29, 1998 By the Commission: 1. In this Order we reconsider, on our motion, the Commission's decision in the Fifth Reconsideration Order regarding the start date of the Schools and Libraries Corporation's (SLC's) filing window for the second funding cycle for the federal support mechanism for schools and libraries, which begins July 1, 1999. We conclude that it is in the public interest to defer the opening of the filing window from October 1, 1998 to December 1, 1998. This change will enable schools and libraries to obtain funding commitments for the first funding cycle and assess their future technology needs, in light of those initial funding commitments, before filing applications for support for the second funding cycle. We find that this deferment will help ensure that requests for support are targeted to meet the specific needs of the applicant. Parties seeking support for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 1999, may begin to file applications on December 1, 1998. 2. We direct the SLC to determine the length of the window and resolve other administrative matters necessary to implement the new filing window. In addition, to ensure that all applicants will be informed of the window periods with sufficient time to adjust their plans accordingly, we direct the SLC to make a determination with respect to the length of the new window filing periods by October 30, 1998 and to publicize that decision promptly using appropriate media and other avenues that will notify interested parties. 3. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to the authority contained in sections 1-4, 201-205, 218-220, 254, 303(r), 403, and 405 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C.  151-154, 201-205, 218-220, 254, 303(r), 403, and 405, section 1.108 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R.  1.108, the SEVENTH ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION IN CC DOCKET NO. 96-45 IS ADOPTED. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Magalie Roman Salas Secretary