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                                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