Chairman Wheeler's Response to Rep. Roby Regarding the Second E-Rate Modernization Order

On April 18, Rep Martha Roby (R-AL) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler regarding the Second E-Rate Modernization Order, with particular questions about how it will affect small and local telecommunications providers and how the FCC will ensure federal funds through E-rate are used solely to promote the deployment of broadband to schools and libraries.

On June 22, Chairman Wheeler responded by noting that all telecommunications companies, including small and local cable companies, have an equal opportunity to bid on services for E-rate applicants, as well as the rules to the competitive bidding process. Chairman Wheeler also wrote that the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has thorough application review and Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) processes to ensure that funds are committed only for eligible services in accordance with program rules.