Tag Archives: E-Rate

FCC adopts new rules from the E-Rate Program

Posted on by
Reply

From the FCC…

Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to enhance the integrity of the E-Rate program by amending its rules and establishing a new competitive bidding portal and document repository. Today’s action will assist E-Rate applicants with program compliance and decrease the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse in the E-Rate program. The Commission is also taking actions to simplify and streamline the E-Rate processes and procedures, while giving greater flexibility for both applicants and service providers. The E-Rate program provides support to ensure that schools and libraries can obtain affordable, high-speed broadband services and internal connections. The Commission is committed to the responsible stewardship of E-Rate funds and protecting against waste, fraud, and abuse, and an open competitive bidding process is a cornerstone of, and fundamental, to the integrity of the E-Rate program. This action brings greater transparency and consistency to the competitive bidding process, helping ensure schools and libraries receive the most cost-effective services.

Additional Background Information: Today’s Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration will create and implement a competitive bidding portal and repository for the funding year 2028 competitive bidding cycle, beginning July 1, 2027. Specifically, it will require prospective service providers to submit bids responding to applicants’ requests for bids and require applicants to upload competitive bidding documentation, including bid evaluations, vendor selection documentation, and contracts to the portal. This action will consolidate where information is provided and stored, creating a centralized repository which will reduce the need for applicants to respond to documentation requests from the Commission and the E-Rate program administrator. Today’s action also includes rule changes to simplify and streamline E-Rate processes for applicants and service providers, including refining procedures for applicants transitioning service providers, eliminating unnecessary paperwork, and providing greater flexibility to refile rejected requests for reimbursement. Action by the Commission April 30, 2026 by Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (FCC 26-30). Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty approving. Commissioner Gomez approving in part and dissenting in part. Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty issuing separate statements.

Libraries, schools and others ask FCC to reject proposed E-Rate bidding portal

Posted on by
Reply

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports…

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition led more than 80 organizations (including the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society) representing schools, libraries, service providers, and education leaders in sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the agency not to proceed with its proposed competitive bidding portal for the E-Rate program. The groups are concerned that the establishment of a Bidding Portal and its associated complex requirements and procedures, as proposed in the Draft Order, is not only unnecessary but also undermines the good work being done to streamline the E-Rate program. The groups requested that the FCC not proceed with its proposed implementation of the Bidding Portal. If the FCC elects to proceed with the Bidding Portal, the groups urge it to delay implementation until at least Funding Year 2029, hold a public comment proceeding to allow input into the portal’s development, create beta testing with applicants and providers to ensure the portal functions appropriately, and hold training for all applicants and vendors on the portal and new requirements under this order.

Both Rep Pete Stauber and Rep Kelly Morrison talk to House Small Business Committee about rural broadband

Posted on by
Reply

Forbes Breaking News reports on remarks from Rep Kelly Morrison and Rep Pete Stauber at a House Small Business Committee hearing. Both recognize the importance of rural broadband, USF reform and value of FTTH…

 

Could changes in E-Rate help close the ACP gap?

Posted on by
Reply

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports…

The Biden administration is moving to blunt the loss of an expired broadband subsidy program that helped more than 23 million families afford internet access by using money from an existing program that helps libraries and schools provide WiFi hotspots to students and patrons.

Jessica Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, told The Associated Press last week that the agency had voted in July to ”modernize” a federal program known as E-Rate to fill at least some of the gaps left by the Affordable Connectivity Program, which gave families with limited income a monthly subsidy to pay for high-speed internet.

More about E-Rate…

The E-Rate program, established in the 1990s, has provided more than $7 billion in discounts for eligible schools and libraries since 2022 to afford broadband products and services. According to a data analysis by the AP, it offered benefits to more than 12,500 libraries, nearly half of them in rural areas, and 106,000 schools.

For the most recent round of funding, the E-Rate program was expanded to include WiFi on school buses. Starting next year, Rosenworcel said, the list of eligible products will expand to WiFi hotspots.

The Affordable Connectivity Program was helping one in six families in the U.S. afford internet access. Rosenworcel said the decision to include WiFi hotspots in E-Rate was partly a response to the failure to extend the subsidies.