USAC to Update RHC Rates Database
The Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) directed the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) on December 23, 2020, to update its urban and rural rates database (RHC Database) for the Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program for all funding requests committed since its July 1, 2020, launch.
FCC Settles E-rate Violation Investigation with IBM
On December 23, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission announced a settlement of more than $24 million with IBM for E-rate violations.
Proposed 1Q 2021 USF Contribution Factor Set at 31.8%
Today, in a Public Notice, the FCC announced that the proposed USF contribution factor for the first quarter of 2021 will be 31.8 percent.
FCC Extends E-rate and RHC Gift Rule Waivers
Yesterday, the Wireline Competition Bureau released an Order extending its waivers of the Rural Healthcare and E-Rate program gift rules through June 30, 2021.
New RHC Rules Effective in FY 2020 Instead of FY 2021
On November 30, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau released an Order accelerating the effective dates of certain rules it had previously delayed until FY 2021.
RHC Funding Year 2021 Filing Window Announced
On November 5, 2020, USAC announced the Rural Health Care filing window will open on January 4, 2021 and close on April 1, 2021.
WCB Adopts E-Rate FY 2021 ESL
On November 30, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau issued the Eligible Services List (ESL) for Funding Year 2021.
FCC Grants Waiver of E-rate Category 2 Services 2-in-5 Rule
On November 4, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau issued an Order granting a waiver of the E-rate “2-in-5 rule” filed by several school districts (Petitioners). Under the 2-in-5 rule, which was in effect from FY 2005-2014, E-rate applicants could receive internal connections discounts only twice every five funding years for each location.
WCB Announces Window Opening for Connected Care Pilot Program
On November 5, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau released a Public Notice that the Connected Care Pilot Program (Pilot Program) application filing window will open on November 6, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. ET and will close on December 7, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
FCC C2 Guidance: NIFs Ineligible, FY2020 Data Allowed for FY 2021 Student Counts
The Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice on October 14, 2020 (C2 Public Notice), providing additional guidance related to the category two (C2) services budget approach established by the Commission in the Category Two Report and Order.
FCC Fully Funds RHC FY 2020 Applications
Yesterday, the FCC released an Order fully funding the Rural Health Care Program Funding Year (FY) 2020 applications.
FCC fines High-Cost Carrier nearly $50 Million for Defrauding USF
Today, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order imposing a $49.6 million fine against Sandwich Isles, Waimana Enterprises, and Albert S.N. Hee for defrauding the Universal Service Fund.
FCC Opens Second E-Rate Application Window for Funding Year 2020
The FCC today directed USAC to open a second funding year 2020 window to allow schools to request additional E-rate discounts for the limited purpose of purchasing additional bandwidth to meet demand for on-campus connectivity.
FCC Extends E-Rate and RHC Waivers through Dec. 31, 2020
Earlier this month, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) issued an Order extending the Commission’s temporary waivers and extensions for certain E-Rate and RHC program rules and deadlines through Dec. 31, 2020.
4Q Universal Service Contribution Factor Highest-Ever at 27.1 Percent
The FCC today announced that the proposed universal service contribution factor for the fourth quarter of 2020 will be 27.1 percent. The factor, an increase from the current quarter’s 26.5 percent, is the highest rate ever.
FCC Cancels LCP Enforcement Actions Against AT&T
On August 11, 2020, the Commission released an Order canceling a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) issued against AT&T in 2016. BellSouth Telecommunications, LLC, d/b/a/ AT&T Southeast, Order, FCC 20-103 (rel. Aug. 11, 2020). The NAL proposed a forfeiture of $106,425 against AT&T for apparently failing to charge two Florida school districts the lowest corresponding price for telecommunications services it provided under the E-Rate program during funding year 2014-2015. The Telecommunications Act requires the Commission to issue an NAL within one year of a violation. 47 U.S.C. § 503(b)(6)(B); see also 47 C.F.R. § 1.80(c)(4). Because the apparent violations at issue occurred more than one year before the NAL was issued, the Commission found the NAL to be time-barred by the statute of limitations and it canceled the NAL and the proposed forfeiture.
FCC Increases Funding for RHC Program for FY 2020 and Approves USAC Review Procedures
FCC Grants Waivers for Late-Filed E-rate Applications Outside 14-Day Grace Period
FCC announces highest-ever USF contribution factor: 26.5% for 3Q 2020
FCC Provides Guidance to USAC on E-rate Competitive Bidding Rules and FCC Form 470 Drop-Down Menu
FCC Grants RHC Waiver Request Filed by Broadband Legal Strategies, LLC
FCC Grants E-rate Appeal Filed by Broadband Legal Strategies, LLC
FCC Will Accept COVID-19 Telehealth Program Applications on Monday, April 13, 2020
FCC Establishes COVID-19 Telehealth Program
FCC Adopts Final Rules for Connected Care Pilot Program
FCC Extends Key E-Rate Program Deadlines Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
FCC Provides Relief for Rural Health Care Program Participants, Including Filing Deadline Extension
FCC Waives Gift Rules for RHC and E-rate
2Q USF Contribution Factor will Decrease to 19.6%
E-rate Application Filing Window Extended
PIA respondents get an automatic extra 14 days to respond as well.
Note that this extension means that Forms 470 can still be filed until the end of March.