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 STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  MICHAEL  J.  COPPS 
 Re:  Release  of  Funding  Year  2005  Eligible  Services  List  for  Schools  and  Libraries  Universal  Service  Mechanism  (CC  Docket  No.  02-  6) 
 I  am  pleased  to  support  the  Eligible  Services  List  we  release  today.  This  approach  enhances  the  transparency  of  the  application  process.  It  will  make  it  simpler  for 
 schools  and  libraries  to  apply  for  E-  Rate  support.  In  light  of  the  growing  complexity  of  the  Schools  and  Libraries  Support  Mechanism,  this  is  a  good  thing.  Still,  I  am 
 disappointed  we  have  yet  to  resolve  open  questions  regarding  the  eligibility  of  dark  fiber  services.  When  dark  fiber  was  pulled  abruptly  from  eligibility  last  year,  some  rural 
 schools  and  libraries  were  left  high  and  dry.  We  are  overdue  for  resolving  this  issue.  There’s  more  than  enough  confusion  mounting  with  respect  to  E-  Rate  administration. 
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