Bridging the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.
E-rate and Emergency Connectivity Fund Programs
The E-rate program continues to provide valuable federal financial support so that schools and libraries can obtain low-cost, high-capacity broadband services. The FCC has adopted progressive reforms to the E-rate program since its inception. But there is more that can be done to ensure that E-rate embraces the most cost-efficient and innovative technologies.
For the E-rate program to thrive, it must continue adapting to changes in the marketplace. The additional reforms below could permit the E-rate and ECF programs to serve the greater community:
- Congress should provide more ECF funding as a long-term solution to the Homework Gap, or the difficulty students experience completing homework when they lack internet access at home.
- The FCC should provide E-rate funding for cybersecurity.
- The FCC should waive the cost allocation rule, which would allow schools and libraries to share their E-rate built networks with surrounding homes and businesses.
- The FCC should continue to streamline the E-rate application process.
SHLB's Advocacy
Schools and Libraries Universal Support Mechanism, CC Docket No. 02-6 Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, CC Docket No. 96-45 Changes to the Board of Directors of the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc., CC Docket No. 97-21
July 12, 2023
Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries, Allowing Use of E-rate Funds for Advanced or Next Generation Firewalls and Other Network Security Services
July 3, 2023
Establishing Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap, Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries
June 6, 2023
April 28, 2023
Comments in Response to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Simplify the E-rate Program for Tribal and Other Applicants
April 24, 2023
Establishing Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap, WC Docket No. 21-93
April 21, 2023
SHLB's Ex Parte summary of its meeting with the FCC WCB to discuss the ECF Service Delivery Deadline Extension Request.
Request for waiver by The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition and The Consortium for School Network
April 5, 2023
Allowing Use of E-rate Funds for Advanced or Next Generation Firewalls and Other Networks Security Services
March 30, 2023
August 10, 2022
July 14, 2022
SHLB met with the Office of FCC Commissioner Starks to reiterate our concerns about the proposal to federalize the E-rate competitive bidding process.
May 27, 2022
SHLB submitted reply comments that reiterated why a competitive bidding portal would be unnecessary and wasteful and countered unsubstantiated arguments that support the proposal.
April 27, 2022
Key Documents
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May 2021 |
December 2014 |
October 2014 |
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July 2014 |
E-rate Policy Group
Meetings on the 1st Thursday of the month at 2 ET
Co-Chairs:
Julia Legg
E-rate Central
Rachel Schemelin
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
SHLB Members Only
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