Lighting Fiber with the E-rate

In comments filed at the Federal Communications Commission, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative urging the FCC to move forward with its proposal to make the leasing of dark fiber from any source eligible for E-Rate funding starting in Funding Year 2011. Furthermore, the groups say the FCC should go further and make the leasing of lit fiber from local anchor institution networks eligible for E-Rate funding. The best way to maximize the benefits of the E-Rate program and provide the most efficient use of funds is to provide schools and libraries with as many options as possible so that they can choose the broadband source that will provide them with the most efficient option.