ERate Update

["Ron Gdovic" <rgdovic@3rc.org>]

FYI, according to the FCC-SLD, E-Rate requests overwhelmed the Program's
$2.25 Billion budget this year by almost 2:1!  Last year applicants
requested $2.4 billion, this year requests totaled $4.72 billion (36,000
applications).

The good news is that ALL applicants will receive funding to meet requests
for recurring telecom and Internet services regardless of poverty level or
need (according to their discount eligibility).  Once those requests are
filled, SLD will consider funding internal connections to 'priority' schools
demonstrating the greatest need and highest poverty levels.

Related, the Benton Foundation just released a report looking at the impact
of the E-rate program - dubbing it a success.  The E-Rate in America: A Tale
of Four Cities is interesting reading at:

http://www.benton.org/e-rate/e-rate.4cities.pdf

Ronald Gdovic PhD
Executive Director
www.3rc.org