FCC Proposes Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries; Comments Due Jan. 29, Replies Due Feb. 27

On November 13, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to create a Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. 

In general, the Pilot Program would:

• call for an investment of up to $200 million over three years;
• be established within the Universal Service Fund (USF), but separate from the E-Rate program;
• seek to learn more about which cybersecurity and advanced firewall services will have the greatest impact in helping K-12 schools and libraries protect their broadband networks and data, while also ensuring that limited USF funds are being utilized in the most effective manner.
• would provide funding to eligible K-12 schools and libraries to defray the qualifying costs of receiving cybersecurity and advanced firewall services needed to protect their E-Rate-funded broadband networks and data.

Comments are due January 29, 2024, and reply comments are due February 27, 2024.