E-rate issue still on table

The heavily debated e-rate is back before Congress, as FCC chairman William Kennard says hearings will be held to discuss the disparity in online access among poorer communities. But opponents across the political spectrum are slamming the Net access discounts as an unfair tax.

Foes hammering away at e-rate Defending federal Net connection discounts for low-income schools and libraries is becoming a full-time job for the Federal Communications Commission. FCC to hold hearings on e-rate FCC chairman William Kennard says public hearings will be held later this year on community access to communications. Rallying for the e-rate roundup Armed with new reports on the "digital divide," the Clinton administration is rallying public support for e-rate funds helping public schools.