A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

November 20, 1997

Dear School, Library and Communications Industry Leaders:

On November 1st, I had the privilege of becoming Chief Executive Officer of the Schools and Libraries Corporation. I passionately share your commitment to ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education and our communities benefit from vibrant, dynamic libraries.

Congress and the Federal Communications Commission acted with vision in establishing the universal service support program for schools and libraries. They have guaranteed that our schools and libraries will participate in the Information Age. Under the program, elementary and secondary schools and public libraries are eligible to receive up to $2.25 billion annually in discounts toward the purchase of modern telecommunications services, including internal connections and internet access.

The Corporation's mission is sharply focused: To deliver universal service support in a manner that enables you to most effectively use technology in our schools and libraries. Already schools and libraries across the country have deployed Information Age technologies to accomplish dramatic improvements. The universal service program's goal is to empower all our nation's schools and public libraries to do the same.

Universal service support will be available effective January 1, 1998. The Schools and Libraries Corporation is committed to forging a close working relationship with you so that we can launch the program expeditiously, efficiently, and effectively. I am confident that if we keep the goal of the program firmly in mind, we together can meet the challenges that we face and deliver upon the promises of the program.

The Schools and Libraries Corporation will adhere to three central principles:

1. Conducting open and regular communications with all of those who are interested in the universal service program.

2. Always taking the extra step to help ensure that all schools and libraries, regardless of financial resources or geographic location, have the opportunity to participate in the program.

3. Protecting the long term integrity of the program through careful planning and sound operational controls so that the program represents a long-term investment in schools and libraries that we all can count upon for the years to come.

As a first step in giving these principles life, I am enclosing information that will allow you to plan for the opening of the program. As the information reflects, the Schools and Libraries Corporation has put in place a series of policies and activities that are intended to enable schools, libraries and providers to take care in preparing for participation in the universal service program. We want to make sure that all eligible schools and libraries have the time to take the steps necessary to apply for funding in 1998 and to make effective use of that funding.

In particular, I want to emphasize:

1. We have established a one-time 75 day filing Window so that all applications filed within the Window are treated the same. That way, all applicants will have a fair opportunity to participate. (Please see Question 5 in the enclosure for additional details on the Window). We will let you know as soon as possible the date upon which the Window will commence;

2. Final funding commitments will be retroactive to January 1, 1998 for qualified existing contracts, or to the start date of a school or library's contract with its provider for new contracts, whichever is later. That way, a school or library has the opportunity to fill out its application carefully, and the Schools and Libraries Corporation can review applications in an orderly fashion. (Please see Questions 6 and 8 for more information on existing contracts and retroactivity).

3. We will distribute via mail the applications, instructions, and accompanying materials several weeks ahead of the opening of our web site. That way, schools and libraries have a running start to plan and prepare;

4. We are establishing a Client Service Support System that will enable you to communicate with us in a number of ways (for example, telephone hotline, on-line, and facsimile) offering full guidance on the program and application requirements; and,

5. We will continue to work closely with national, state, and local education and library organizations so that you can consult with your colleagues about the program.

Part of my commitment to open communications is candor. I will keep you posted regularly about progress on the web site, the availability of our Client Service Support System, and the date upon which applications will be distributed. Please keep in mind the program is effective January 1, 1998 and applications will be available before that time.

I know you share my commitment to making the universal service program a success and hope you will share with me any questions or suggestions. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely yours,

Ira Fishman

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