INFORMATIONAL

  Universal Service (E-Rate) discount commitments are now
  being issued to Virginia schools for the January 1998 -
  June 1999 funding cycle. Applicants can expect to receive
  commitment letters through early February.

  The window for filing E-Rate discount applications for
  the July 1999 - June 2000 funding cycle is now open. This
  window is expected to close at midnight March 11, 1999.
  Applicants wishing to apply for discounts must file a
  form 470 with the Schools and Libraries Corporation (SLC)
  no later than February 5 to meet the 28 day posting
  requirement and have sufficient time to sign contracts
  and submit a form 471.

  To help applicants better comprehend E-Rate rules and
  regulations, The Department of Education is pleased to
  provide the attached handbook, Understanding the E-Rate
  Program. The handbook provides information on the current
  funding year and on the filing window for next year. It
  also contains suggestions some schools may wish to
  incorporate in this year's application strategy.

  For more information on the E-Rate program or application
  process, contact Greg Weisiger, Program Administrator, at
  (804) 692-0335.


  PDS/GW/emt 

  Attachment:  A hard copy of this memo and its attach-
               ment will be sent to the superintendent's
               office.