FCC Updates Eligible E-Rate Services Including VoIP

In this report and order and further notice of proposed rulemaking, the Federal Communications Commission addresses and seeks comment on issues regarding the services eligible for funding under the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism, also known as the E-rate program. First, the FCC modifies its rules to expressly include interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and text messaging as eligible services under the E-rate program. Second, the FCC releases the list of services that will be eligible for discounts for E-rate funding year 2010. Finally, the FCC seeks further comment on the eligibility of certain services in future funding years, as well as on proposed changes to the process for determining the services that will be eligible for support under the E-rate program