WCB Grants E-rate Participants Relief for Misfiled Appeals

On February 8, 2023, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) issued an Order granting petitions for reconsideration filed by school districts that had mistakenly filed their appeals with the Commission first, instead of with USAC as required by the rules. 

By the time they realized their mistake, they were time-barred from refiling their appeals with USAC.  In this Order, the Bureau waived the rules to allow these petitioners to refile their appeals with USAC to be decided on the merits.

The Bureau stated it would continue to dismiss without prejudice appeals that are filed with the Commission before being reviewed by USAC, but that in certain circumstances it may waive the 60-day appeal filing deadline to allow a party to refile its appeal with USAC once the appeal is dismissed by the Bureau.  The Bureau reminded applicants, consultants, and service providers that they are expected to know and comply with the Commission’s E-rate program rules.