FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Deena Shetler February 7, 2001 (202) 418-2300 PRESS STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER GLORIA TRISTANI ON THE E-RATE PROGRAM The E-rate program ensures that all of America's children have an opportunity to gain the skills and insight necessary to participate in the Information Age. Through targeted discounts, the E-rate program enables our most needy and isolated schools and libraries to bridge the Digital Divide and gain access to the Internet. The E-rate is a great equalizer, and America is a stronger and healthier nation because of this program. I fully support it. # # # News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 TTY 202 / 418-2555 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 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. Cir. 1974).