*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 6700.doc* NEWS News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 TTY 202 / 418- 2555 Fax- On- Demand 202 / 418- 2830 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov ftp. fcc. gov Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Cir. 1974). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Deena Shetler February 7, 2001 (202) 418- 2300 PRESS STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER GLORIA TRISTANI ON THE E- RATE PROGRAM The E- rate program ensures that all of America’s children have an opportunity to gain the skills and insight necessary to participate in the Information Age. Through targeted discounts, the E- rate program enables our most needy and isolated schools and libraries to bridge the Digital Divide and gain access to the Internet. The E- rate is a great equalizer, and America is a stronger and healthier nation because of this program. I fully support it. # # # 1