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z?d104:SN00652:@@@D at thomas.loc.gov Page 16 of 16 (Sec. 706) Requires the FCC and each State telecommunications commission to encourage the • deployment of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans by utilizing price cap regulation, regulatory forbearance, measures that promote competition, or other regulating methods that remove barriers to infrastructure investment. Requires the FCC to regularly initiate a notice of inquiry concerning such availability and, if it determines it to be necessary, to take action to accelerate deployment of such capability by removing barriers to infrastructure investment and by promoting competition in the telecommunications market. (Sec. 707) Establishes the Telecommunications Development Fund as a corporate body in the District of Columbia to promote access to capital for small businesses in order to enhance competition in the telecommunications industry, to stimulate new technology development, to promote employment and training, and to support universal service. Directs the Fund to: (1) make loans, investments, or other extensions of credit and provide financial advice to eligible small businesses; and (2) prepare research, studies, or financial analyses. (Sec. 708) Recognizes the National Education Technology Funding Corporation as a nonprofit corporation independent of the Federal Government and operating under the laws of the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Corporation to receive discretionary grants, contracts, gifts, contributions, or technical assistance from any Federal department or agency. Requires audits of the Corporation by independent certified public accountants. Provides reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Requires the accessibility of Corporation books for audit and examination. Directs the Corporation to report annually to the President and the Congress on operations and activities of the previous fiscal year. Requires Corporation • members to be available to testify before the Congress concerning such operations and activities. (Sec. 709) Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to report annually to specified congressional committees concerning the activities of the Joint Working Group on Telemedicine, together with any findings in the studies and demonstrations on telemedicine funded by the Public Health Service or other Federal agencies. Specifies that such reports shall examine questions related to patient safety, the efficacy and quality of the services provided, and other legal, medical, and economic issues related to the utilization of advanced telecommunications services for medical purposes. (Sec. 710) Authorizes appropriations. s http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d 104:SN00652:@@@D 12/11/96