USAC Feels Heat over Move To Suspend 'E-Rate' Payments

摘要

Officials from the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) fielded tough questions from senators during a recent hearing over a decision to halt funding from the Commission's "E-rate" program, which provides schools and libraries with affordable telecommunications and information services. Since Aug. 3, there has been a freeze on funding commitment letters due to changes in government accounting rules. It is expected that the freeze will last until late November. A total of $1.3 billion is being held up, affecting roughly 4,000 schools and libraries. USAC, however, said the decision to suspend funds was an act of "prudent cash management."