The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) has issued a Public Notice seeking comment on its proposed eligible services list (ESL) for the schools and libraries universal support mechanism (more commonly known as the E-rate program) for funding year (FY) 2018. The Bureau is particularly interested in feedback on two issues for the FY2018 ESL:
- The draft FY2018 ESL adds a clarifying note regarding the eligibility of on-premises Network Equipment with both Category One and Category Two functionalities to clarify that on-premises Network Equipment that interfaces with a Category Two-eligible local area network (LAN) is eligible for Category One support if it is necessary to make a Category One broadband service functional. The Bureau seeks comment on the language added to the draft ESL and whether further clarification is needed to assist applicants seeking support for on-premises Network Equipment.
- The Bureau seeks comment on the category of service that should apply to inside wiring between different schools or libraries sharing a single building, and how to reconcile that category of service classification with the FCC’s rules.
The full proposed FY2018 ESL is attached to the Public Notice. Comments are due by July 21, 2017, and reply comments are due by August 7, 2017.
