P.O. BOX 69 EQUALITY, ILLINOIS 62934 Phone: (618) 276-4211

March 26, 1996

International Transcription Service
1919 M Street, NW, Room 246
Washington, DC 20054

RE: CC Docket 96-45 Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service

Dear Mr. Caton

In the ever changing telecommunications industry, one thing has always remained consistent. We at Shawnee Telephone Company have very much appreciated the efficient and fair manner in which NECA has handled the Universal Service Fund, Telecommunications Relay Service Fund, and the Lifeline Programs. It is our hope that NECA will continue to administer these programs.

Shawnee Telephone Company covers a wide rural area of Southern Illinois where the job markets have been hit hard by the closing of coal mines and related businesses. Lifeline programs are beneficial to people in this area who otherwise would not be able to afford telephone installation should they have to pay the full installation fee. Also, as this is a very rural area, the Telecommunications Relay Service allows people to be more secure in the knowledge that they will be able to communicate via telephone in situations where they are deaf or hearing impaired.

Once again, we at Shawnee Telephone Company have very much appreciated the efficient way NECA has handled these funds and would like to see them continue as Administrator.

Sincerely,

James T. Coyle