FCC Adopts E-Rate FY2025 ESL

On October 25, 2024, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (the Bureau) issued the Eligible Services List (ESL) for Funding Year 2025. 

The Bureau made the following changes to the ESL:

• Revised the description of “wireless” service under Category One to read “Wireless (e.g., fixed wireless; microwave; mobile service for use on school buses; or mobile service for use with Wi-Fi hotspots).”
• Added a new note that basic technical support, software upgrades, bug fixes, and security patches are eligible for school bus Wi-Fi network equipment, as requested by Los Angeles Unified School District.
• Amended the explanation of “Wireless services and wireless Internet access” to note the eligibility of off-premises use of Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile wireless Internet services.
• Clarified the eligibility of off-campus wireless service on a school bus.
• Clarified cost allocation of certain off-campus use of E-Rate-funded services is required.
• Explained that the cost-effectiveness test for data plans and air cards applies only to on-campus use.

The FCC also clarified that only “basic firewall” services/equipment are eligible in both Category 1 and Category 2.  Prior to the Commission’s statement in the order, the Eligible Services List Category 2 listing of firewall had not previously included the modifier “basic” but it was included in the Category 1 listing.