STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MEREDITH A. BAKER
Re: Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, CC Docket No. 02-6, A National 
Broadband Plan for Our Future, GN Docket No. 09-51
I am pleased to support this Notice.  The E-rate program has been instrumental in bringing 
broadband to communities across the country through their schools and libraries.  In the wake of the 
National Broadband Plan, it makes sense to launch a proceeding to examine how the E-rate mechanism is 
working well now and how it could be improved to more efficiently and effectively help achieve the 
important goal of ensuring broadband access by all people of the United States.
As we consider changes to the E-rate going forward, I continue to have concerns that our efforts 
to modernize the various components of the Universal Service Fund should not result in further growth in 
the overall size of the Fund. It is also critical that all future changes to the program include adequate 
safeguards against waste, fraud and abuse.  It is our obligation to ensure that money is spent wisely to 
achieve the goals set out by Congress.
Thanks to the bureau for all your work on this.