USF
Schools, Libraries Defend $2.5 Billion E-Rate Program to FCC
Industry groups also supported continued funding amid concerns from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
USF
USF Working Group ‘Getting Closer and Closer’ to Discussion Draft
Lawmakers have been working for years to modernize the program
USF
Three Former FCC Commissioners Advocate to Continue E-Rate Program
Commissioners argue necessity of E-Rate program as billions could be on the line.
Funding
Ending E-Rate Would Reduce U.S. Real GDP by $4.2 Billion, Says Advocate
SHLB and other E-Rate supporters commissioned a new report from the Brattle Group
E-Rate
Maine Warns FCC Against Linking E-Rate to Student Test Scores
Keep the federal connectivity program focused on infrastructure, state says
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
