E-Rate Workshop

Thursday, October 8, 2026
02:00 - 04:20 PM
Room: Washington

E-Rate in 2026: Policy Developments, Stakeholder Perspectives, and Program Priorities

Join us for a two-hour interactive workshop examining the landscape of the FCC’s E-Rate program, including recent proposals, stakeholder perspectives, and priorities for improving program administration.

Session 1: State of the E-Rate Campaign
The first session will provide an overview of the proposals that could shift the future of E-Rate under the FCC’s current rulemaking endeavor. We’ll explore what SHLB and other stakeholders are saying about the FCC’s new proposals, including those that would terminate the program, limit eligibility or funding to rural areas, introduce screen-time policies, and strengthen oversight of consultants. The discussion will highlight key arguments, questions, and areas of uncertainty emerging across the E-Rate community.

Session 2: From USAC Conversations to Action
The second session will provide an interactive debrief of conversations attendees held with USAC during the Wednesday roundtable. Participants will share what they heard, identify common concerns and unanswered questions, and highlight issues that require additional clarification or follow-up. The discussion will also consider the FCC’s current rulemaking around USAC administration of the USF and what stakeholders should be watching as the rulemaking process moves forward.