FCC Seeks Comment: Cybersecurity and Wi-Fi Hotspots
The FCC has released two Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding 1) utilizing E-rate to fund Wi-Fi hotspots (not to be confused with funding Wi-Fi on school buses), and 2) the creation of a new cybersecurity pilot program. These documents are focused on seeking public comment in order to craft new rules in the future. If you have any questions or comments about either of these NPRMs, please let me know at dvogt@edu.idaho.gov.
Off-Premises Use of Wi-Fi Hotspots
”We propose to permit schools and libraries to receive E-Rate support for Wi-Fi hotspots and services that can be used off-premises by students, school staff, and library patrons, finding that these services serve a critical educational purpose and enhance the ability of students, school staff, and library patrons to access advanced telecommunications and information services” (paragraph 18).
The NPRM (read in full here) requests feedback on what specific hardware/services should be eligible, if there should be a funding cap for these units, what documentation should be required of E-Rate applicants, and many other questions.
Cybersecurity Pilot Program
The second NPRM released this week proposes the creation of a new Pilot Program that will help the FCC “obtain valuable data concerning the cybersecurity and advanced firewall services that would best help K-12 schools and libraries address the growing cyber threats and attacks against their broadband networks and data.”
This limited Pilot program would be wholly separate from E-Rate. Schools and libraries interested in participating would have to apply to become participants. The timing of this application is still unknown, but it would require applicants to describe their current cybersecurity posture, any incidents or attacks that have happened to the system, and how the Pilot grant money would be used to implement a a new posture. Participants would also be required to regularly report updates about the program.
The NPRM asks over 100 questions about how the Pilot should be implemented, how should applicants be prioritized, what cybersecurity solutions should be funded, and much more.