WCB Releases FY2018 E-rate ESL

In the Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau:

·   Clarified that on-premises Network Equipment that has both Category One and Category Two functionalities is eligible for Category One support if it is necessary to make a Category One broadband service functional.  WCB did not provide examples, but directed applicants to contact USAC if they had specific questions.

·   Declined to interpret “necessary to make a Category One broadband service functional” to make network security or caching equipment eligible as Category One services.  WCB found that these services enhance a Category One service, but do not make it functional, limiting that definition to “fiber optic transceivers, network switches, network routers, and other modulating and routing electronics.

·     Reminded applicants and service providers that firewall services other than those offered as a standard part of eligible Internet access service are eligible only under Category Two.  “Basic,” bundled firewall services are eligible under Category One.

·       Clarified that inside wiring for a single building that houses two or more schools is eligible for Category Two support. 

·       Declined to make further changes to the ESL, even though some commenters requested clarifications on other eligible services or requested that the Commission add services to the ESL. 

·      Authorized USAC to open the annual application filing window no earlier than 60 days after release of the Order (December 4, 2017), although the window is likely to open in the spring as it has done in the past few years.