FCC Chairman Kennard Joins Senator Dorgan in Visit to North Dakota Schools and Meets with Rural Telephone Service Providers

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Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554 News media information 202 / 418-0500
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

January 21, 1998

FCC CHAIRMAN KENNARD JOINS SENATOR DORGAN IN VISIT TO NORTH DAKOTA SCHOOLS AND MEETS WITH RURAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROVIDERS

FCC Chairman William Kennard joined North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan on a trip to Bismarck, North Dakota that was highlighted by visits to two schools providing students with access to the latest technologies, and a roundtable discussion with telephone company representatives.
During remarks at Bismarck High School, Kennard noted that "North Dakota sets a example for other states when it comes to connecting the classrooms." North Dakota averages 5 students to a computer, one of the lowest student to computer averages in the country.
"You're growing up in a very exciting time," Kennard told students, "New technologies are creating a strong economy, and if you are armed with a good education you'll be successful. But North Dakota and the rest of the country still have a way to go in ensuring all Americans have equal access to the latest technologies."
Kennard viewed a demonstration at Bismarck High, one of the most advanced schools in North Dakota in bringing education technologies to the classroom. Kennard commended the school's distance learning center for breaking down geographical barriers by using technology to educate students in rural areas.
Kennard also toured the library of St. Mary's High School. "The new library technologies that you're using will benefit all who take advantage of them. Your students will have an edge over students who lack this kind of access. Most rural libraries lack access to the Internet, and the FCC is trying to improve that average."
Kennard ended his visit with a roundtable discussion with members of the North Dakota Telephone Cooperatives and U S West. Kennard said, "It's important that the Commission continue to work together with telephone companies providing services to rural areas so we can be sure no one is left behind in the telecommunications revolution."

- FCC -

Office of Public Affairs contacts: Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0256 or
David Fiske at (202) 418-0513

	NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 1919 - M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov
	This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
	January 21, 1998
	FCC CHAIRMAN KENNARD JOINS SENATOR DORGAN IN VISIT TO NORTH DAKOTA SCHOOLS AND MEETS WITH RURAL TELEPHONE SERVICE PROVIDERS
	FCC Chairman William Kennard joined North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan on a trip to Bismarck, North Dakota that was highlighted by visits to two schools providing students with access to the latest technologies, and a roundtable discussion with telephone company representatives. During remarks at Bismarck High School, Kennard noted that "North Dakota sets a example for other states when it comes to connecting the classrooms." North Dakota averages 5 students to a computer, one of the lowest student to computer averages in the country. "You're growing up in a very exciting time," Kennard told students, "New technologies are creating a strong economy, and if you are armed with a good education you'll be successful. But North Dakota and the rest of the country still have a way to go in ensuring all Americans have equal access to the latest technologies." Kennard viewed a demonstration at Bismarck High, one of the most advanced schools in North Dakota in bringing education technologies to the classroom. Kennard commended the school's distance learning center for breaking down geographical barriers by using technology to educate students in rural areas. Kennard also toured the library of St. Mary's High School. "The new library technologies that you're using will benefit all who take advantage of them. Your students will have an edge over students who lack this kind of access. Most rural libraries lack access to the Internet, and the FCC is trying to improve that average." Kennard ended his visit with a roundtable discussion with members of the North Dakota Telephone Cooperatives and U S West. Kennard said, "It's important that the Commission continue to work together with telephone companies providing services to rural areas so we can be sure no one is left behind in the telecommunications revolution." - FCC - Office of Public Affairs contacts: Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0256 or David Fiske at (202) 418-0513