The regulations have been revised twice since May 7 and became law on July 17, 1997. According to the new regulations, schools and libraries will be eligible for discounts of 20 to 90 percent of the lowest competitively available rate for all commercially available telecommunications services, Internet access, and installation and maintenance of internal connections providing telecommunications services from the internet to classrooms. Discounts can be applied to ISP charges and inside wiring including routers, hubs, servers, wires and installation and maintenance of those items. Additionally, schools and libraries will have the flexibility to purchase whatever package of telecommunications services they believe will meet their needs most effectively and efficiently. The FCC has provided a matrix of six levels of discounts.
Discounts can apply either to individual schools, or can be averaged for the school division.
Schools and libraries may combine efforts in consortia in order to utilize services more efficiently. The FCC encourages school divisions to consolidate service requests at division levels or within consortia. The boards are required to hold their initial meeting prior to September 23. NECA estimates they will be ready to accept applications by mid-November. The FCC, working with the US Department of Education, plans to issue official applications shortly.