FCC’s Competitive Bidding Proposal Won’t Help Schools/Libraries, SHLB Says

In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition encouraged the FCC not to move forward with its proposed changes to the competitive bidding process for the E-rate program. As stated in the comments, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on E-rate would unreasonably burden applicants, conflict with existing local and state laws, and ultimately hinder competition. “While the SHLB Coalition generally supports streamlining the E-rate program, we’re hearing from both applicants and service providers that the Commission’s most recent proposal to nationalize the competitive bidding process would usurp local decision-making, and would discourage many schools and libraries from participating in E-rate altogether," said SHLB Executive Director John Windhausen. "The proposal wouldn’t prevent fraud – it is unnecessary, unwieldy, and unwise. Considering that the need for such drastic action is unproven, we urge the FCC to first pursue a fraud risk assessment plan to pinpoint where, if any, waste exists in the program. E-rate is too important for keeping students and library patrons connected to risk needless changes that would put extra burden on schools and libraries.”