*************************************************** 
                         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, itallic, underlining, etc. from the
original document will not show up in this text version.

Features of the orginal 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.

***************************************************** PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION  
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                 DA 98-1110

News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov
                                             
                                   Released: June 11, 1998


                 COMMON CARRIER BUREAU REITERATES
                SERVICES ELIGIBLE FOR DISCOUNTS TO
                      SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES
                       CC Docket No. 96-45

     On May 8, 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released a Report
and Order on Universal Service (Universal Service Order).  In the Universal Service Order, the
Commission determined that all eligible schools and libraries should receive discounts on all
telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal connections provided by
telecommunications carriers, as well as on Internet access and internal connections provided by non-
telecommunications carriers.       

     The Common Carrier Bureau (Bureau) reiterates that schools and libraries are not eligible to
receive support for services or equipment that do not qualify as telecommunications services, Internet
access, or internal connections.  Personal computers, fax machines, and modems, for example, are
not eligible for universal service support discounts.  The Bureau also emphasizes that no universal
support will be provided for asbestos removal, teacher training, telephone handsets, the costs of
tearing down walls to install wiring, repairing carpets, or repainting.

     The Bureau also reiterates that schools and libraries are required to select the most cost
effective bid when examining their bids for eligible services.  This means that the price should be the
primary factor in evaluating the bids.  Other relevant factors may include:  prior experience; personnel
qualifications, including technical excellence; management capability, including schedule compliance;
and environmental objectives.  The Bureau strongly emphasizes that the value or price
competitiveness of services and products that are ineligible for universal service discounts  may not
be factored into the evaluation of the most cost-effective supplier of eligible services. 

                                        
     For further information contact Matthew Vitale, Common Carrier Bureau at
(202) 418-0866.

                          -Common Carrier Bureau-