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.

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Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing E-Rate support for Wi-Fi hotspots for
remote learning, Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program,

 

February 8, 2024

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SHLB/CoSN Et al K-12 Cybersecurity Comments


January 29, 2024

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SHLB and OTI E-Rate Hotspots NPRM Comments

 

January 17, 2024

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SHLB ESL School Bus Wi-Fi Comments

 

November 30, 2023

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SHLB - Ex Parte Hotspot Lending Program Proposal


November 3, 2023

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SHLB E-rate FNPRM Reply Comments


October 23, 2023

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SHLB - Ex Parte - Bus WiFi and Hotspot Lending Proposal

 

October 9, 2023
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SHLB E-rate FNPRM Comments


September 25, 2023

 

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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

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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

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Establishing Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap, Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries


June 6, 2023

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CoSN, etc. Firewall Coalition Ex Parte Rosenworcel Meeting
 

May 26, 2023

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Ex Parte Establishing Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap

April 28, 2023
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Comments in Response to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Simplify the E-rate Program for Tribal and Other Applicants 


April 24, 2023

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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.

 

Download the Letter

 

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Request for waiver by The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition and The Consortium for School Network 

April 5, 2023

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Allowing Use of E-rate Funds for Advanced or Next Generation Firewalls and Other Networks Security Services 

March 30, 2023

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Coalition E-rate Firewall Comments 

February 13, 2023 

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Request to waive and extend E-rate service delivery deadline for non-recurring services

August 10, 2022

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Ex parte to Commissioner Starks' Office regarding competitive bidding
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.

 

Download the Letter 

 

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Reply comments to the FCC regarding the competitive bidding NPRM
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. 

 

Download the Comments

 

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Comments to the FCC regarding the competitive bidding NPRM
April 27, 2022

 

View Archived Documents →


Key Documents

May 2021
FCC ORDER
Establishing Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap

December 2014
FCC ORDER
Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries

October 2014
SHLB RESEARCH
A Model for Understanding the Cost to Connect Schools and Libraries with Fiber

 

July 2014
FCC ORDER
Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries