The fees average 40 cents a month. But for heavy phone users, the costs are much higher and may total as much as 20 percent of a monthly phone bill. The nation now has more than 500 long-distance phone carriers, many handling the fees their own way. MCI WorldCom charges 7.2 percent of the total long-distance bill. Corporate customers and public users, such as the federal government, also are assessed.
Schools have to do the best they can on that score.
In addition, the application process is grueling. Applicants must develop a technology plan, fill out Form 470 and spell out services they want. The bids are posted for vendors of Internet services to see, applicants sign contracts, and Form 471 is then required for the schools and libraries to apply for discounts. The plight of one librarian in Michigan illustrates the problem. Donna Alward, director of the tiny Houghton Lake Public Library, believed her library qualified for the program and eagerly went after it.