FCC Seeks Additional Comment on Adding Wi-Fi on School Buses to Proposed Eligible Services List for the E-Rate Program

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks additional comment on the proposed eligible services list (ESL) for the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (more commonly known as the E-Rate program) for funding year (FY) 2024. On September 12, 2023, the Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on the proposed ESL for FY 2024. Subsequently, on October 19, 2023, the FCC adopted a Declaratory Ruling regarding Wi-Fi on school buses. Specifically, in the Declaratory Ruling, the FCC  clarified that the use of Wi-Fi, or other similar access point technologies, on school buses is an educational purpose, and the provision of such service, including the equipment needed to provided such service, is eligible for E-Rate support. The Declaratory Ruling further directed the Bureau to fund these services, and seek comment on the services and equipment that would be eligible as part of the eligible services list proceeding for funding year 2024. The Bureau now seeks comment on the specific services and equipment needed to provide Wi-Fi service, or similar access point technologies, on school buses and proposes several small modifications to the funding year 2024 eligible services list consistent with the Declaratory Ruling. [WC Docket No. 13-184. Comments due November 24, 2023]