As I stated at the beginning of this discussion, I believe that the critical issue in developing the potential of e-rate and of other network initiatives in the Commonwealth is infrastructure. Without infrastructure we truely find our state cosisting of "islands of information". With infrastructre available, all things become realistic over time. Without it, nothing is possible. I believe that it will be in the best interest of PA to allow mixed consortia to build leverage and demand at a local level and strongly endorse the recommendations of the US-PA Taskforce's Schools and Libraries recommendations. With Pennnsylvania having such a large rural area and low concentrations, it is essential to have ways of attractiving the attention of infra-structure providers. Single school systems, small community libraries, and rural hospitals will be of no interest because alone, they cannot justify the cost of building infrastructure to reach them. A consortium however may well become an attractive target. Since the benefits of e-rate based services should be directly visable and usable by a local community or county, it seems reasonable to allow mixed consortia. Since the costs of the essential infrastructure is driven by physical topology, a consortia of rural hospitals across the state might not be anywhere near as attractive to conncet as a mixed consortia within 30 miles of Bradford. The single issue that concerns me with consortiums is their true goals. I believe e-rate is intended to help non-profits do things that benefit the community and Commonwealth. Although I would not want to see a major certification process, I would want to be VERY SURE that any consortium (or any other e-rate benificiary) is not serving as a front organization for a business or other for profit group. I would also like to make sure that the consortium itself does not look to spare e-rate capacity as a commodity that it could "sell" to others at more that cost plus REASONABLE administration. Too often not for profits are looking for agressive and novel ways to increase revenue. The idea of "profit centers" and "new revenue siurces through excess capacity" are themes I've heard repeatedly over the years. Regards, Bruce Hutchison Director for Telecommunications Computing & Information Services University of Pittsburgh --PAC28482.875820838/post-ofc05.srv.cis.pitt.edu-- Regards, Bruce Hutchison Director for Telecommunications Computing & Information Services University of Pittsburgh