E-Rate Administrative Window Opens Oct. 21
In its September News Brief, USAC announced that the E-Rate Administrative Window will open in EPC on October 21, 2026.
Fifth Circuit Strikes Down FCC’s Fourth-Quarter Universal Service Fee Over Unlawful Creation of USAC
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (Court or Fifth Circuit) ruled on October 15, 2026, that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exceeded its statutory authority by relying on the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to calculate the Universal Service Fund’s fourth-quarter 2025 contribution factor.
RHC NPRM Draft Released
The FCC today released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order on changes to the Rural Health Care program.
RHC FY 2027 Filing Window and Competitive Bidding Dates Released
USAC has announced that the FY 2027 filing window will open on December 1, 2026, and close on April 1, 2027. Applicants may begin submitting FCC Forms 461 and 465 and start the competitive bidding process on July 1, 2026.
FCC Seeks Comment on Variable Pricing for Services, Elimination or Changes to MIBS as Part of Proposed FY 2027 E-Rate Eligible Services List
The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) released the proposed Funding Year 2027 E-Rate Eligible Services List (ESL) on June 30, 2026.
DRAFT E-Rate NPRM Released by FCC Seeks Comment on Major Program Changes
The Commission last week released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Further Notice) that seeks comment on the future of the E-Rate program, including whether the program is necessary, whether and how funding can be reduced, and how to ensure the program is used for “educational purposes.”
FCC Seeks Comment on Reforms of USAC Processes and Oversight; Comments Due May 15
The Wireline Competition Bureau and the Office of the Managing Director released a public notice seeking comment on potential reforms to the operations and management of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Comments are due May 15, 2026.
