FCC Encourages Greater Tribal Participation in E-Rate Program

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a proposal seeking comment on steps to encourage greater participation by eligible Tribal applicants in the E-Rate program, which provides high-speed internet to schools and libraries. Established in 1996, the E-Rate program has provided support for connectivity to and within schools and libraries, allowing students and library patrons to obtain access to essential communications and broadband services. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on how to make the E-Rate program easier for eligible Tribal applicants to encourage greater program participation, including:

• Simplifying E-Rate forms and cost-allocation requirements;
• Providing an additional competitive bidding exemption for low-cost services and equipment for Tribal applicants;
• Increasing the maximum discount rate for Category Two services from 85% to 90% for Tribal applicants;
• Allowing Tribal college libraries that serve a dual role by also serving as the Tribal community’s public library to be eligible for E-Rate support;
• Providing an extended or separate application filing window for Tribal libraries to align with their Tribal procurement requirements and approval processes;
• Increasing the Category Two $25,000 funding floor for Tribal applicants;
• Adding a Tribal representative to the Universal Service Administrative Company’s Board of Directors, which administers the program for the FCC; and
• Considering other potential reforms to encourage greater participation by Tribal or similarly situated small or rural applicants, particularly if they face barriers that impede equitable access to the E-Rate program.