NCTA Warns Against E-Rate Overbuilding

Cable broadband operators want the Federal Communications Commission to confine its emergency E-rate Universal Service Fund broadband subsidies, where possible, to existing providers rather than spending on new infrastructure deployments, and to provide a streamlined application process. The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau sought comment on allowing E-Rate schools and libraries funds to be used for home broadband service and devices as the nation faces a continued pandemic and many schools are in online learning mode. NCTA-the Internet & Television Association told the FCC that "the fastest and most cost-effective manner to fund remote learning is by prioritizing E-rate support to fund currently available broadband service."