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…

On December 14, 2017 the FCC voted to repeal the net neutrality rules adopted by the FCC on February 26, 2015. The repeal goes into effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. When the 539 page repeal order was released on January 4, 2018 it was not known when it would be published in the Federal Register. The repeal is being…

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, speaking at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January, called for an open Internet which would make sure that ISPs had economic incentives to build better networks while still protecting consumers and innovators. His specific recommendations were shared with the other members of the FCC in February. One of…

In its role helping the nation's schools connect to the Internet and other telecommunications services, the "E-rate" has been among the most consistent of federal programs. Funding for the "education rate" program has held at about $2.25 billion a year since it was created under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and it covers…

Explains political factors in the development of the 1966 Telecommunications Act and how it helped elementary and secondary education in acquiring computers to connect to the Internet; describes the communications revolution; considers the role of government; and discusses how the Internet is changing the entire system of higher education. (LRW)

The best evidence of the concern over the digital divide was the speed with which the federal government interceded to help close it. A program offering generous subsidies to schools and libraries for the purchase of Internet technology was made part of the massive overhaul of the Telecommunications Act in 1996. The subsidies were apportioned on a…

E-Rate is a U.S. federal funding program for providing discounts for telecommunications, Internet access and internal networking costs for schools and libraries to ensure access equity across poor and rich, rural, urban and suburban areas, and highly served and underserved areas. This paper examines the impact of the E-Rate program on social…

As the telecommunications community braces itself for what may be the most significant change in telecommunications law since the breakup of Ma Bell, the decisions that will set the precedent for a new Telecommunications Act are already being made at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Although many of the changes will take years, one…

With new technology, and with students continuing to push the limits of computer usage, higher education administrators are being forced to take a stand on issues regarding misuse of campus computer resources and facilities. Argues that education is the key to helping others understand it is possible to misuse the Internet. (MKA)

This theme issue includes five articles that focus on educational policy in the Texas legislature in relation to student retention, Internet access, and sexual harassment. "1999 Texas Legislative Session--End of an Era?" (Albert Cortez, Maria Robledo Montecel) examines educational equity issues facing legislators: school funding,…

This supplement contains 10 articles on topics that include acceptable-use policies, NetDay, selling technology bonds, a CD-ROM starter shelf, and Internet news. (MLF)

The Universal Service Fund, or E-rate, is a landmark funding measure that will change forever the role of technology in K-12 education. The fund allows eligible schools and libraries to purchase networking equipment, telecommunication services, internal connections, and Internet access at substantial discounts. Accompanied by the 3Com E-rate…

Discusses the E-Rate, a program from the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that offers a discounted rate to schools and libraries wanting to connect to the Internet. Topics include changes in school district planning practices; the effects of politics, administrative priorities, and community concerns; and technology planning and integration. (LRW)

Under the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the Federal Communications Commission established a $2.25 billion annual fund to support communications services for needy K-12 schools and libraries. Services eligible for Universal Service support include telephone lines, integrated digital networks, private lines, and Internet access hookups. The…

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has provisions covering telephone service, telecommunications equipment manufacturing, cable television, radio and television broadcasting, and the Internet and on-line computer services. Most critical for rural areas are universal service provisions that ensure reasonably priced services to all regions and…