INFORMATIONAL

  The Department of Education will present a live interactive
  program on the Universal Service Discount (E-Rate)
  application process during the DOE Hour November 13, 1997.
  The DOE Hour is broadcast on your local public television
  station from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.

  New regulations adopted by the Federal Communications
  Commission (FCC) in May created an opportunity for schools,
  libraries and rural health care providers to receive
  discounts of 20 to 90 percent on telecommunications services
  and equipment (for more information see Supts. Memo number
  144). Discount percentages are based on the location and
  poverty level of the applicant as measured by the number of
  students eligible to receive free or reduced price school
  lunches.  Schools and libraries must submit technology plans
  with the Department of Education and file an application
  with the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA). NECA
  anticipates applications will be accepted beginning in mid-
  November.

  Applications are now being created by the FCC and should be
  available by the first week of November. When applications
  are issued, the Department will mail one to the technology
  coordinator of each division.

  The November 11 program will offer a description of the
  application and step-by-step instructions for completing it.
  Schools and libraries may call in questions during the
  program.

  For more information on the DOE Hour call Jim Calleran,
  Associate Director of Production Services, at (804) 225-2972. 
  Questions concerning Universal Service should be directed to 
  Greg Weisiger, VSEN Administrator at (804) 692-0335.

  RTL/emt