FCC
FCC’s E-Rate Proposal Draws Early Pushback from Schools, Libraries
Advocates were quick to weigh in after the sweeping proposal hit the Federal Register Friday
Funding
Task Force Calls for Congress to Cement USF’s Legal, Financial Foundations
Report advocates modernization as FCC considers retrenchment across major programs
USF
California Not Sold on Wisconsin Bell’s $55 Million Whistleblower Settlement
The state was involved in a companion case, and feared it would lose the ability to sue again if the suit were dropped
Digital Inclusion
Most E-Rate Funds Spent in Highest-Need Areas, Researcher Says
In fiscal year 2024, the program spent 62 percent of funding on broadband subscriptions and 35 percent on networking gear
FCC
22 Wisconsin Libraries Warn FCC Against E-Rate Cuts
Changes to the federal broadband subsidy could raise costs and squeeze public services, libraries warn.
FCC
FCC Ponders ‘Large Scale Changes’ to School and Library Broadband Subsidy
Wireline chief discusses updating the program which supports internet access for nearly all U.S. public schools
Expert Opinion
Samantha Schartman: AI Will Widen the Digital Divide — Cross-Sector Co-Investment Could Provide a Bridge
We need new ways to fund programs, and the Alt Funding Field Guide makes the case that digital inclusion creates economic value
FCC
FCC Opens Review of Universal Service Administration, Questions USAC’s Future
The agency questions USAC’s processes, expenses, governance structure and long-term role as the Universal Service Fund’s administrator.
FCC
Schools, Libraries Fight to Preserve E-Rate in Major Battle at FCC
Advocates urge stakeholders to contact lawmakers as the Republican-led agency considers changes to the $2.5 billion broadband subsidy.
E-Rate
Library Groups Mobilize Against FCC Proposal to Reshape E-Rate
Thursday’s FCC E-Rate inquiry would raise compliance burdens for consultants, participants, and providers, librarians said in interviews
Funding
FCC Clears E-Rate Review, Local Permit Shot Clock Proposal
School and library groups said they were planning to marshal opposition to cutting back E-Rate funding
USF
E-Rate Advocates Want FCC to Reconsider Bidding Portal
SHLB and a consultant that works with participants said they wanted more time to comment on the April order
FCC
Education Groups Urge FCC to Drop Questions About Ending E-Rate
Coalition argues FCC lacks authority to terminate or narrow school and library broadband subsidies
Funding
FCC E-Rate Inquiry to Ask About Reducing Funding, Expanding School Internet Filters
The agency’s proposal on local permitting shot clocks would ask about extending them to 'commingled' telecom and broadband infrastructure.
Funding
FCC to Vote on ‘Top-to-Bottom’ E-Rate Review, Local Permitting Shot Clocks at June Meeting
Also on the agenda: subsea cable security licensing, 911 reliability, and emergency alerts.
FCC
FCC Targets Minnesota Schools in E-Rate Fraud Investigation
Letters of inquiry signal a continued push to target fraud in USF.
