E-Rate Broadband Funding Window Open

摘要

The window to apply for federal E-Rate funding in 2015 is currently open-and slams shut on March 26. Schools and libraries that rely on E-Rate subsidies for their Internet connectivity-as well as first-time applicants-now have an additional $1.5 billion to tap for Wi-Fi. The E-Rate program, which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has been the focus of sweeping reforms authorized by the FCC last July. According to American Library Association's (ALA) E-Rate Modernization Order Summary, options include restructuring the Wi-Fi funding formula for schools and libraries and the FCC matching funds (up to ten percent) for states that provide additional funding for construction projects and "suspending the amortization requirement for new fiber construction."