E-Rate advocates plead with FCC to protect program

Advocates for the E-Rate program are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider and revise a notice of proposed rulemaking that poses questions and seeks comment on that program's administration, continuation and future. The FCC is scheduled to vote on the proposal at its monthly open meeting on June 25. E-Rate is a program under the Universal Service Fund that provides eligible schools and libraries with discounted telecommunications and Internet access. According to the NPRM, the FCC is seeking to "improve the E-Rate program and ensure E-Rate-funded networks and services are being used for educational purposes" and to "propose and seek comment on actions the FCC can take to further strengthen E-Rate program integrity and streamline program administration." But advocates of the program who met with the FCC in recent weeks are worried by language in the proposal that suggests the Commission may try to cut or terminate the E-Rate program entirely. In an ex parte filing with the FCC, dated June 16, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition summarizes recent meetings between its members and the Commission in which SHLB members (dubbed the "E-Rate Advocates" in the filing) shared several concerns and requests related to the FCC's E-Rate proposal. Of particular concern to the E-Rate Advocates is the FCC's inquiry as to whether E-Rate should be terminated or otherwise limited to specific areas.