FCC Will Streamline E-rate: Submit Your Feedback
The FCC is simplifying and expanding the E-rate program in a multi-phase initiative Chairwoman Rosenworcel is calling “Learn Without Limits.”
On Thursday July 20th the FCC commissioners voted to adopt the first part of this initiative in Report and Order 23-56 (read in full here). Order 23-56…
1) Formally includes Tribal Libraries into the E-rate program.
Adds definitions for Tribal entities.
Tribal College and University (TCU) Libraries eligible for E-rate when serving as a public library.
Tribal representative will be added to USAC Board of Directors and to the Schools and Libraries Committee of the Board.
2) Requests feedback on ways to simplify E-rate for all
The FCC seeks comment on specific considerations that could improve E-rate for all applications. Considerations include…
Eliminating the Form 486
Should discount percentages remain valid for more than one year?
Streamlining FCC Forms and removing unused data points
Would a bidding repository be helpful for applicants?
And much more
All FCC questions can be read and responded to in this comprehensive survey.
The survey is hosted by the Idaho Broadband Program for schools. Submissions will inform our office’s response to the FCC and in upcoming discussions with officials from the FCC and USAC.
As you have time to read the FCC's questions, you are invited to answer as MANY or as FEW questions as you'd like, and across multiple submissions.
The deadline to respond is end of Labor Day weekend. Please contact dvogt@sde.idaho.gov for questions or to send an extended response
3) Updates current rules about Cost Allocation
Relief from Cost Allocation for All Applicants - Cost Allocation is not required when ineligible usage of internet is limited to 10% or less of total usage. (¶26-27)
This measure will address and allow limited ineligible internet usage by offices, health kiosks, other healthcare services, childcare, and vocational and technical classes that are offered in E-rate eligible schools and libraries.
“Safe harbor” - When at least 90% of an applicant’s requested Internet service is being used for eligible purposes, the remaining ineligible use of the Internet service will be presumed to be ancillary and, therefore, cost allocation is not required.
Relief from Cabling Cost Allocation for All Applicants - Cabling primarily used for distributing broadband does not require cost allocation even when ineligible equipment such as security cameras may be attached to the network. (¶28)
Relief from NIF Shared Equipment Cost Allocation for All Applicants - NIF’s use of shared equipment is no longer required to be cost-allocated when the selected equipment was chosen without regard for the NIF’s use. (¶29)
BEAR Reminders for All Applicants – USAC must provide BEAR reminders three weeks before the deadline for FRNs where no requests for reimbursement have been submitted yet, and provide instructions on how to file for reimbursement and how to file for a 120-day invoice filing deadline extension. (¶39)
Note: these summaries were written by SECA
“Learn Without Limits” as of August 1, 2023
Part 1 - Tribal Library Inclusion; Overall E-rate Simplification
Voted for by FCC on 7/20/2023.
Read full text here, summary above.
FCC requests feedback on ways to simplify E-rate. Read all questions and submit your feedback here: https://forms.office.com/r/eRm1tf781G
Part 2 – A Limited Cybersecurity Pilot Program
No text yet available, announcement only.
Read Chairwoman’s full speech to AASA: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-395075A1.pdf
Part 3 – Bus Wi-Fi, Library Hotspots
No text yet available, announcement only.
Read Chairwoman’s full remarks to ALA: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-394619A1.pdf
If you have questions about this or need assistance with E-rate and broadband, please contact Daniel Vogt at dvogt@sde.idaho.gov, or schedule a Zoom call here: