Washington, DC (December 10, 2019) – A bipartisan group of 48 U.S. Senators sent a letter yesterday to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asking the agency to prioritize sustainable rural broadband (high-speed internet) networks. The letter, addressed to Chairman Ajit Pai, addresses the FCC’s consideration of new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proceeding. The senators voiced concern …
POLICY BRIEF: FCC Proposes Cap to Universal Service Fund, Extends Comment Deadline
Washington, D.C. (July 10, 2019) – In May, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to seek comment on establishing a cap on the Universal Service Fund (USF) and, most recently, extended the deadline for comments on the proposal. This NPRM could impact the E-Rate and Rural Health Care funds and has raised some questions. There is some disagreement among …
How school districts can organize and collaborate to maximize E-rate and improve their connectivity
Iowa City, IA (May 2, 2019) – The Schools and Libraries Program of the federal Universal Service Fund, also known as the “E-rate Program,” provides billions of dollars each year to support educational connectivity in schools and libraries across the country. Within the E-rate Program, “Category 1” subsidies are provided in the form of “discounts” off of broadband services based on …
