The FCC reports...

Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the
Commission has sent three Letters of Inquiry to Minnesota educational institutions to investigate
potential misuse of federal funds disbursed through the E-Rate program. This marks the latest effort
by the Commission to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in Universal Service Fund (USF) programs.
The USF’s E-Rate program helps schools and libraries obtain affordable telecommunications and
information services so students, teachers, and library patrons can take advantage of online
opportunities. The program has provided support to over 132,000 schools and libraries across the
country by funding discounts on Internet access and Wi-Fi services.
Chairman Carr issued the following statement:
“The FCC is committed to stopping bad actors from defrauding our USF programs, including those
who target our E-Rate program as a way to line their own pockets. When billions of dollars are at
stake, we need to ensure that the Commission’s programs are working efficiently and effectively. By
requesting critical program information from Minnesota educational institutions suspected of
wrongdoing within this program, we’re taking that initial and critical step towards being well
informed, good stewards of federal dollars to ensure program funds are being used for their intended
purposes.”
Additional Background Information:
Chairman Carr continues to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all USF programs to ensure taxpayer
dollars are protected. In April 2026, Chairman Carr announced the suspension of seven individuals
involved in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting the E-Rate program. As part of the FCC’s
efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in Universal Service Fund programs, the FCC recently voted
on updates to its suspension and debarment rules that enable the agency to take quicker and more
comprehensive action against wrongdoers