FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
  August 2, 1999
  
                              
COMMISSIONER NESS ISSUES STATEMENT ON 5TH CIRCUIT'S UNIVERSAL
                       SERVICE RULING
                              
  Commissioner Susan Ness issued the following press statement on July 30,
  1999, concerning the 5th Circuit Court's Universal Service Decision released on that
  day:
                              
  
  
       I am elated that the 5th Circuit has upheld most of the FCC's universal service
  ruling.  I am especially pleased that the key elements of the E-rate -- particularly
  classroom connections and Internet access -- have been validated.  
  
       This is a huge win for America's children.  The e-rate now has a firm footing
  for the future.
  
       The rulings under review were the product of lengthy and complex collaboration
  by state commissioners and federal commissioners, Republicans and Democrats.  The
  process was driven first and foremost by fidelity to the grand vision of a bipartisan
  group of legislators, Senators Snowe, Rockefeller, Exon, and Kerrey, as well as Vice
  President Gore.  They have a lot to be proud of today.
  
                         -FCC