Over the last 2 years, many steps have been taken to get to the FFC’s vote on the Cybersecurity pilot program on June 6. Included below are a few highlights of the E-rate Cybersecurity timeline.
November 2022 – Cyber Security Pilot Proposal Presented to FCC Chair’s Office
Funds For Learning met with representatives of the Office of Chairwoman Rosenworcel to discuss a pilot program to strengthen school and library networks with additional support for network firewalls. Read about the meeting and view FFL’s proposal here.
December 2022 – Firewall and Network Security Comments Sought by FCC
The FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comments on the use of E-rate funding to support next-generation firewalls and other network security services. This notice referenced petitions and requests received by Cisco Systems, Inc; Consortium for School Networking; Funds for Learning; and the School Superintendents Association. Read more about the 2022 Public Notice here.
February 2023 – Widespread Support for E-rate Cybersecurity
Comments were submitted to the FCC by hundreds of schools, libraries, service providers, manufacturers, consultants, and industry organizations of all sizes. Common threads expressed by numerous commenters include Unified call for support; The threats are real, and dangerous; Don’t fence us in. Read more about the comments submitted by the E-rate community here.
March 2023 – White House Announces White House Announces National Cybersecurity Strategy
The Biden-Harris administration released a National Cybersecurity Strategy, a 39-page document citing the need to “make fundamental shifts in how the United States allocates roles, responsibilities, and resources in cyberspace.” Learn more about the National Cybersecurity strategy here.
July 2023 – Cybersecurity Pilot Program Proposed by FCC
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal for a three-year, $200 million pilot program to support cybersecurity for K-12 schools and public libraries. Read about the initial proposal here.
November 2023 – Cybersecurity Pilot Program Details Announced
A year after the initial proposal by FFL, the FCC published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing the creation of a “Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. Read more about the details here.
January 2024 – Comment period for FCC Proposed Rulemaking
FLL provides suggestions during the comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the creation of a Cybersecurity Pilot Program. View our suggestions here. See common themes from all proposed suggestions here.
February 2024 – Los Angeles Unified School District Calls for Coalition Letter
(LAUSD) rallied education leaders across the nation to advocate for enhanced cybersecurity measures within our schools and libraries by asking for school district leaders to sign their coalition letter. Learn more about this initiative here.
March 2024 – FFL reiterates importance of Cybersecurity at FCC meeting
FLL continues to emphasize the importance of Cybersecurity and the pilot program to the FCC. Read about the March 2024 meeting here.
May 2023 – FCC sets Cybersecurity Pilot vote for June 2024
The FCC will vote on draft rules for the 3-year, $200 million dollar program. Read about the proposed program here.
What’s next?
The journey is far from over with E-rate Cybersecurity. Join us on June 12 for a special webinar covering details of FCC’s Cybersecurity pilot program. Register here.
