FCC Halts Certain Post-Commitment Changes for ECF Program
On May 31, 2024, the FCC announced that it was directing USAC to stop making any new commitments from ECF funding until it has returned $1.768 billion to the U.S. Treasury (see page 42).
FCC Initiated Cybersecurity Pilot Program
The FCC initiated a pilot program that would pay for some cybersecurity services for schools and libraries at its open meeting today. The pilot program would operate outside of the E-rate program.
REMINDER: July 1 is Rural Health Care Telecom Program Invoice Deadline for Funding Year 2019 and Earlier
In its April RHC newsletter, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) reminded Telecom program participants that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) established a deadline of July 1, 2024, to submit invoices for FY2019 and earlier.
FCC Fully Funds RHC Program for FY2024; USAC Estimates Demand at $697.85 Million
On June 14, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced that there is sufficient funding available to fully meet the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) estimated demand for the Rural Healthcare program’s year (FY) 2024.
FCC Increased Broadband Speed Benchmark
On March 14, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission voted to raise the national fixed broadband standard from 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload, which was set in 2015, to 100 Mbps upload/20 Mbps download.
Proposed 2Q 2024 USF Contribution Factor Set at 32.8 Percent
In a Public Notice released March 14, 2024, the FCC announced that the proposed Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution factor for the second quarter of 2024 will be 32.8 percent.
