The FCC has adopted an Order providing Tribal libraries and other E-Rate participants with greater access to funding so they can receive affordable, high-speed broadband services and equipment. In 2022, the FCC expanded eligibility for the E-Rate program to Tribal libraries. With this Order, the FCC has adopted a formal definition of “Tribal” within the E-Rate program to identify Tribal applicants and updated the E-Rate program rules to expand E-Rate eligibility to Tribal College and University libraries. The Order also amends the program rules to add a Tribal community representative to USAC’s Board of Directors.
The Order simplifies the application process for the E-Rate program by creating an exemption to the competitive bidding requirements for libraries seeking E-Rate support for category two services that total a pre-discount price of $3,600 or less per library per funding year. The Order also raises the amount of funding for category two services that are reimbursable through the E-Rate program by increasing the maximum category two discount rate to 90 percent and the category two funding floor to $55,000 for Tribal libraries.
