FCC Grants 182 E-Rate Appeal

FCC GRANTS 182 E-RATE APPEALS
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
The Federal Communications Commission granted 182 appeals filed by schools and libraries of decisions by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) that reduced or denied funding to the institutions under the E-rate program. Under the E-rate program, eligible schools and libraries may apply for discounts for telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections. The Commission remanded the applications to USAC for further consideration, and directed USAC to complete its review in either 90 or 120 days, depending on the nature of the initial denial. In each case, USAC had denied the applications based on minor errors or technicalities. The Commission found that rigid adherence to the rules in these cases resulted in outcomes conflicting with the statutory goal mandated by Congress of ensuring that schools and libraries have access to advanced telecommunications services. The decision in these appeals is limited and does not eliminate the need for applicants to follow E-rate program rules. Nor does the decision affect the authority of the Commission or USAC to conduct audits and investigations to determine compliance with the E-rate program's rules. The Commission remains committed to guarding against waste, fraud and abuse.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271688A1.doc