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Federal Communications Commission Chairman Bill Kennard said April 16 that schools and libraries most in need should be first to receive universal-service telecommunications funds. "The discount must—let me repeat—must go first and foremost to those places where it is most desperately needed,'' Kennard stated in a speech.
Under the current provisions, the funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. A bill before the Senate would give the first discounts to the neediest schools and libraries.
Kennard also said that in response to Congress's concerns he would develop ways to revamp the two programs that administer the discounts. "I intend in the next few weeks to propose ways to further consolidate and streamline universal service administration so that we have the most effective, efficient, and accountable universal service administrative process possible,'' he said, although he added that he would not propose having the FCC take over the programs.
Posted April 20, 1998.
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