E-rate stakeholders now have until July 9th to provide comments to the FCC regarding the NPRM that was released on May 21st. The proposed new rules are aimed at streamlining the application process and providing greater flexibility in choosing various broadband technologies. Comment replies are due by July 26th.
Recently, FFL released a series of analyses describing the impact of the NPRM on Application Simplification, Broadband Expansion, and Equipment Disposal.
The FCC NPRM Notice that appears in the Federal Register can be viewed here
The comment deadline is now set for the proposed eligibility changes that the FCC released in December 2009. The FCC is seeking comments on their tentative conclusions that the following should not be eligible for E-rate discounts:
- Firewall services which are separately priced from a vendor’s Internet access service
- Anti-virus and anti-spam software
- Scheduling services
- Wireless Internet access applications
- Web Hosting services
The FCC is also seeking comments on modifying the process related to the approval of the Eligible Services List (ESL). The FCC suggests that the draft ESL be submitted by USAC no later than March 30th of each year. Currently USAC has until June 30th to submit the draft to the Commission. The changes would allow the FCC more time to consider the draft. The comment deadline for this issue is July 9th and comment replies are due July 26th.
This is not to be confused with the FY 2011 Draft Eligible Services List that the FCC should release shortly as well.
The FCC Eligible Services Notice that appears in the Federal Register can be viewed here
