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Irate over the E-Rate

A battle is brewing in Washington over the so-called "E-Rate," a federal program that provides subsidies to help schools and libraries set up Internet service. The telecommunications industry wants to torpedo E-Rate, which was passed as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Their objection? Putting the idea of universal Internet service, a la the universal telephone service system in place since the Depression, into the public's mind might sour people on paying exorbitant fees for Web hook-ups in the future. Where are the Republicans and Democrats on all this? About where you'd expect them to be. Find out who all the major players are, and how this might affect your life in the future, in this eye-opening article from Salon.com.

Thu, 16 Mar 2000 07:42:34 -0800