From budgetary considerations to CIPA compliance, there always seems to be one last level of requirements to many parts of the E-rate process. We have collected summaries of these additional requirements in this category.
The Children's Internet Protection Act, or CIPA, requires schools and libraries that receive E-rate discounts for services beyond telecommunications services to certify that they are enforcing a policy which blocks Internet access to certain content. CIPA outlines the general guidelines for complying with its requirements. The FCC and USAC have implemented policies and procedures related to CIPA.
If you believe that you have not received correspondence from USAC (for example, related to the submission of a form or a quarterly report) you can request a copy of the correspondence to be resent to the applicant. In order to do so, you will need to contact the SLD, via the Client Service Bureau (1-888-203-8100), and request that these reports be resent to the school. When USAC resends the correspondence, it will be addressed to the original contact that was listed on the relevant applications.
The Fifth Report and Order (FCC 04-190, released August 13, 2004) states that all participants in the E-Rate program must obtain an FCC Registration Number (FCC RN). Participants are required to obtain at least one FCC RN for each Taxpayer Identification Number by November 1, 2004, pursuant to Public Notice DA 04-2994 (released September 16, 2004) and Public Notice FCC 04-230 (released September 28, 2004).
Who Should Obtain an FCC RN
The following entities participating in the E-rate program must have FCC RNs:
E-rate audits are increasingly becoming a fact of life for E-rate applicants. The Federal Communications Commission has been allowed to spend more and more money to examine applicants to ensure that they are compliant with E-rate rules and regulations. The key to surviving an E-rate audit is to always be prepared for one by maintaining proper documentation about your E-rate activities.
The Broadband Data Improvement Act was signed into law by President Bush on October 10, 2008. The law, in general, aims to improve data collection and promote affordable broadband services. Title II of the Act incorporates much of the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act that was introduced by former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens in 2007, and is cited under this name. The Act includes provisions that creates a public awareness campaign on Internet use and safety as well as develop strategies promoting safe Internet usage by children.
