The Telecommunications Act of 1996 constitutes a major overhaul of telecommunications law and will have a major impact on rural residents, communities, schools, libraries, and hospitals. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting comments from "the grassroots" about telecommunications issues and concerns of greatest importance. After giving a brief background of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Universal Service Fund, and the FCC rule-making process, this policy brief outlines the decisions of greatest impact in rural and underserved areas, and provides background and details to enable rural citizens to communicate their perspective to the FCC. The critical rural decisions presented are: (1) which customer services will be eligible for support under the Universal Service Fund? (2) what is the timetable that the FCC will use to implement all recommendations? (3) by what process will all interstate and intrastate telecommunications service providers equitably contribute to the Universal Service Fund, either at the federal or state level? (4) how can quality telecommunications services be made available at "just, reasonable, and affordable rates" to all customers? (5) what discount will be provided to schools at "rates less than the amount charged for similar service to other parties"? and (6) how can access to advanced telecommunications and information services be enhanced, to the extent that it is technically feasible and economically reasonable? Instructions for submitting formal and informal comments to the FCC are included. (TD)