APR 12 '96 16:01 FR NAACP PRESIDENT 410 358 2332 TO 712024182807 P.02/02
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE
4805 MT. HOPE DRIVE BALTIMORE, MD. 21215-3297 (410) 358-8900

DOCKET FILE COPY ORIGINAL

April 12, 1996

The Honorable, Reed E. Hundt
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20554

Dear Chairman Hundt:

Pursuant to the signing of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the ensuing rulemaking process, I am writing to express my interest and concern regarding universal service. It is the concern of the NAACP that consumers in all regions of the Nation should have access to telecommunications and information services, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services.

As you know, during the evolution of telecommunications policy, there was a recurring concern from minority groups and low-income advocacy groups regarding the access to high-tech services for certain communities and groups. Having now substantially altered telecommunications policy for the first time in nearly 62 years, it is our belief that we should be careful to incorporate those concerns during the rulemaking process. Those communities, urban and rural in nature and with large concentrations of minorities and/or low income residents, must be afforded opportunities regarding access to information services. The NAACP would like to have discussions with you in greater detail before any decisions are made which impact access for these communities. Further, we are very interested in disbursement criteria for any funds that will be disbursed pursuant to contributions made by providers for preservation and advancement of universal service.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns. We look forward to further dialogue regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Kweisi Mfume
President/CEO