FCC Releases NPRM on Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries

The Federal Communications Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in order to initiate a thorough review and update of the E-rate program (more formally known as the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism), building on reforms adopted in 2010 as well as the FCC’s reforms of each of the other universal service programs. There is strong evidence and growing consensus that E-rate needs to sharpen its focus and provide schools and libraries with high-capacity broadband connections. In June, President Barack Obama announced the ConnectED initiative aimed at connecting all schools to the digital age. The ConnectED initiative seeks to connect schools and libraries serving 99 percent of our students to next-generation high-capacity broadband (with speeds of no less than 100 Mbps and a target speed of 1 Gbps) and to provide high-capacity wireless connectivity within those schools and libraries within five years. The FCC seeks comment on ways to comprehensively modernize E-rate, including improving the efficiency and administration of the program. Comments in the proceeding are due September 16, 2013; Reply Comments are due October 16, 2013. [WC Docket No. 13-184]