NATOA Supports E-Rate Funds for Anchor Institution Networks

The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative urged the Federal Communications Commission to give broadband top priority for E-rate funds.

The commenters also support the use of E-rate funds to purchase or lease dark fiber and for anchor institution networks that serve schools and libraries. In short, any entity willing to provide broadband to schools and libraries should be eligible to receive E-rate funding to do so. The groups also urge raising the cap on annual E-rate funding.