Home › All E-rate News

All E-rate News

Reminder: Last Date To File FY2012 Form 470

February 21, 2012

Applicants are reminded that today is the last day that a Funding Year 2012 Form 470 may be posted while still allowing the required 28 day competitive bidding period prior to the application deadline of March 20.

E-rate Regulators Testify Before Congress

February 20, 2012

On February 16, 2012, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and FCC Inspector General David Hunt testified at a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing titled “The Budget and Spending of the Federal Communications Commission.” Acting CEO of the Universal Service Administrative Company Scott Barash also testified, explaining the role USAC plays in administering and providing oversight to the four Universal Support programs, including E-rate.

FCC Extends Deadlines for “Learning-On-The-Go” Applicants

February 16, 2012

On February 15, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission released an Order directing the USAC to extend procedural deadlines for any “Learning-On-The-Go” applicant who had not started their projects as of October 1, 2011.

FCC and Department of Justice Investigate E-rate Fraud

February 15, 2012

In early February, the Federal Communications Commission and United States Department of Justice have issued criminal sentences and debarments in separate cases involving E-rate fraud.

FCC Releases Universal Service Digital Literacy NPRM

February 10, 2012

On February 6, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission released a Report & Order reforming and modernizing the Lifeline and Link Up Universal Service Fund (USF) programs. In the same Order, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on the best way to advance digital literacy through existing USF support programs. The National Broadband Plan acknowledges that digital literacy is an “evolving concept” and defines digital literacy as generally referring to “a variety of skills associated with using information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create and communicate information.”

FY2012 Form 470 Deadline Approaching

February 7, 2012

Applicants and service providers are reminded that an important procurement deadline is rapidly approaching for Funding Year 2012. Tuesday, February 21, 2012 will be the last day that a Form 470 may be posted while still allowing the required 28 day competitive bidding period prior to the application deadline of March 20.

USAC Releases Quarterly Report

February 3, 2012

On February 2, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) released their Demand Report for the second quarter of 2012. In the report, USAC stated that they have established “…a foundation of processes, systems, [and] procedures” to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, and are evaluating “additional measures” to help control improper payments to beneficiaries.

USAC Issues Updated SPIN Change Guidance

January 27, 2012

In its January 27, 2012 News Brief, USAC provides updated guidance regarding Operational Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) changes. The SPIN change updates in the News Brief reflect regulatory changes made by the FCC in the Sixth Report and Order, which was published in September 2010.

SLD Releases FY 2005, 2010, and 2011 Funding Waves

January 27, 2012

This week, the SLD informed 678 applicants and 630 service providers about the status of their funding requests in three separate funding years. Commitments for all four funding waves totaled $63.3 million.

FCC Order Upholds USAC Audit Procedures

January 25, 2012

In a recent FCC Order, the Commission upheld a Wireline Competition Bureau decision denying Integrity Communications’ request for review of an audit letter issued by USAC.