Broadband's Impact
Hewlett-Packard to Pay $16.25 Million for Alleged E-Rate Fraud
WASHINGTON, November 11, 2010 – The Justice Department revealed Wednesday that it has reached a $16.25 million civil settlement with Hewlett-Packard for alleged E-rate fraud, following an investigation with the Federal Communications Commission. The program funds internet connections in schools and libraries. HP’s payment will flow back into the fund.
WASHINGTON, November 11, 2010 - The Justice Department revealed Wednesday that it has reached a $16.25 million civil settlement with Hewlett-Packard for alleged E-rate fraud, following an investigation with the Federal Communications Commission. The program funds internet connections in schools and libraries. HP's payment will flow back into the E-rate program.
Acting on tips from whistleblowers, the government investigated allegations that contractors working with HP and other companies gave gifts to staff at the Dallas Independent School District and Houston Independent School District to get contracts that included approximately $17 million in HP equipment.
Meals and entertainment, which included trips on a yacht and tickets to the 2004 Super Bowl, were provided by the contractors to get inside information and win contracts that were supposed to be awarded through a competitive bidding process, according to the FCC.
"Broadband is key to our children's 21st century education," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. "That's why one of the FCC's top priorities is making sure E-rate works to benefit students and libraries. Today's settlement shows the extensive efforts of the FCC and DOJ to protect the E-rate program from waste, fraud, and abuse, and to deter misconduct in the future."
-
China1 month agoTech Officials Diagnose Excessive Trump Actions as Product of ‘Huawei Derangement Syndrome’
-
Health4 weeks agoBattling Coronavirus COVID-19, Broadband Could Provide Relief Although Telemedicine May Not Help
-
Section 2301 month agoAttorney General Bill Barr Calls for ‘Recalibrated’ Section 230 as Justice Department Hosts Tech Immunity Workshop
-
Net Neutrality1 month agoFCC Seeks Comment on Net Neutrality Issues Remanded by Appeals Court: Public Safety, Pole Attachments and Lifeline
-
Health2 weeks agoBroadband Breakfast Live Online Will Stream Daily in March on ‘Broadband and the Coronavirus’
-
Artificial Intelligence1 month agoU.S. Progress on AI and Quantum Computing Will Best China, Says CTO Michael Kratsios
-
Asia1 month agoBroadband Roundup: Global Internet Censorship, Tribal Divide, Klobuchar on the Broadband Stump
-
Broadband Mapping & Data1 month agoPoor Broadband Maps and Lack of a Consolidated Voice Hinder Advocacy for Better Rural Internet