E-rate Commentary

November 18, 2011

Beware the Ides of March

There is a desperate need for a standard Form 471 filing deadline, allowing applicants to plan for each year. It has previously been recommended that the FCC establish a set...

by Stephanie Winfrey

November 17, 2011

Consult The Dictionary

What is a consultant? Long trusted Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines a consultant as "one who gives professional advice or services." In USAC's October 28 Schools and Libraries News Brief, you will...

by Cathy Cruzan

October 19, 2011

Let‚Äôs Date Ourselves

Can we establish a permanent E-rate filing window from January 15 to March 1? When it comes to the E-rate, there are numerous topics that we can - and should...

by Verlyne Jolley

October 3, 2011

Calculation Proclamation

As discussed in my recent commentary, "Truth or Dare," the FCC has made a significant change to the discount calculation methodology for FY2012. This change raises several concerns.

by Verlyne Jolley

September 27, 2011

Truth or Dare?

How many times have we heard the following statement? "USAC/SLD cannot make E-rate policy, only the FCC can do that." Yet in practice, most of us know this is simply...

by Peter Kaplan

September 9, 2011

Installation Deadline Looming

The September 30, 2011 Installation deadline is quickly approaching. Applicants affected by the deadline, as well as their service providers, should already be involved in discussions whether or not this...

by Peter Kaplan

September 1, 2011

The Black Hole Phenomenon

Overall, the SLD works hard to get funding letters, invoices and appeals processed in a timely manner. However, there are times when applications, appeals and invoices have been stuck in...

by Peter Kaplan

August 11, 2011

It Takes A Village

Does this sound familiar? A well known politician once wrote that it "takes a village to raise a family" and in one sense, while not debating the merits of those...