First Wave of 'E-Rate' Awards Finally Delivered

By Andrew Trotter

Washington

Three thousand and sixty letters were on the way to school and library mailboxes last week, bearing news their recipients have waited a long time to hear: You are getting your "E-rate" discount.

"I love saying it: The check's in the mail," said Linda G. Roberts, the special adviser on technology to Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley.

The letters represent the first wave of commitments by the federal Schools and Libraries Corp. to pay for "education rate" discounts for telephone service, Internet access, and classroom wiring...