FCC Seeks Additional Comment on E-rate Modernization

In this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission seeks focused comment on three issues raised in the E-rate Modernization proceeding that merit further inquiry as the FCC moves towards modernizing the E-rate program to meet schools’ and libraries’ broadband connectivity needs.

The issues are:

1. how best to focus E-rate funds on high-capacity broadband, especially high-speed Wi-Fi and internal connections;
2. whether and how the FCC should begin to phase down or phase out support for traditional voice services in order to focus more funding on broadband; and
3. whether there are demonstration projects or experiments that the Commission should authorize as part of the E-rate program that would help the FCC test new, innovative ways to maximize cost-effective purchasing in the E-rate program.

The FCC is asking for comment by April 7, 2014 and reply comments by April 21, 2014.