FCC Staff Release Report Summarizing Data Received During E-rate Modernization Proceeding

On August 12, 2014, FCC staff released a Staff Report that both summarizes the new rules adopted in the recent E-rate modernization order and presents data gathered during prior stages as parties prepare to file comments on the further notice of proposed rulemaking (“FNPRM”) in that proceeding.  The FNPRM (found at section VIII of the order) asks questions about future funding needs for the program, how the FCC might encourage further participation by consortia, and whether the term of E-rate contracts should generally be limited to five years.  One of the stated goals of the Staff Report is to provide commenters with an analysis of data that may be helpful as they formulate their legal and policy positions on these questions.

Comments on the FNPRM are due September 15, 2014 and reply comments are due September 30, 2014.