Explains 10 basic steps for librarians who are interested in applying for E-Rates, the Universal Service Fund financed by the telecommunications industry as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Provides discounts on technology services including telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal connections for all public and some…

Argues that regulatory and rhetorical emphasis on telecommunications is skewing policy debate and undermining goals identified by Congress in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Critiques universal service provisions of the Act in terms of their economic and social implications, restates social objectives of expanding the definition of universal…

The last major overhaul of U.S. federal telecommunications laws occurred nine years ago, with the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Now Congress--along with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), state and local governments, and a cast of thousands representing the interests of the telecommunications industry, its customers, and many other…