The Federal Communications Commission published the Draft Eligible Services List for FY2012 on June 24, 2011. Initial comments were due on July 15, and a number of E-rate stakeholders submitted comments regarding the FCC’s proposed changes. Funds For Learning’s comments focused primarily on the Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections funding category, proposing that the FCC consider opening a separate Notice of Inquiry to obtain more information from E-rate applicants and service providers regarding how maintenance services are commonly sold, purchased, and utilized in an effort to better streamline the eligibility regulations.
In addition to FFL’s comments, other organizations requested changes and updates to the Eligible Services List, including:
- requesting that the program administrator fund all telecommunications surcharges and fees
- requesting that web hosting and e-mail services be classified in the ESL as “Internet-Based Interactive Communications Services”
- requesting that the FCC include further cost-allocation guidance for Basic Maintenance services in the ESL
- requesting clarification of the eligibility of installation charges and “unneeded capacity” for dark fiber services
E-rate stakeholders may submit reply comments in support of (or opposition to) other organizations’ comments. Reply comments are due on Monday, July 25.
