Existing rules and Universal Services Fund programs to stay in
effect indefinitely as appeals process rolls forward
EDMOND,
Okla., July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On
July 24, 2024, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in Consumers' Research v. FCC
that the annual $8 billion Universal
Service Fund (USF) broadband subsidy program was unconstitutional.
This decision contradicts rulings from the Sixth and Eleventh
Circuits, which upheld the legality of the Federal Communications
Commission's (FCC) USF.
"The E-rate and other USF-supported
programs are mission-critical and play an essential role in the
telecommunications ecosystem of the
United States. In our annual survey of E-rate applicants,
95% of respondents indicated that E-rate funding is vital to their
organization's internet access."
Funded by fees on telecommunications providers, the USF supports
programs for broadband infrastructure, including the E-rate
program, which helps schools and libraries obtain affordable
internet and Wi-Fi.
Existing E-rate rules and USF-supported programs remain in
effect. The court remanded the case to the FCC but did not vacate
the USF funding mechanism, meaning the status quo continues
indefinitely. The government is expected to request a stay on the
decision, which is likely to be granted due to the split between
the Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits.
In response to the ruling, Funds For Learning issued the
following statement from CEO John
Harrington:
"The E-rate and other USF-supported programs are
mission-critical and play an essential role in the
telecommunications ecosystem of the
United States. In our annual survey of E-rate applicants,
95% of respondents indicated that E-rate funding is vital to their
organization's internet access.
It's clear there is broad support for USF programs, such as the
E-rate, and the flow of support to USF beneficiaries is likely to
remain in place for the foreseeable future. We will continue to
advocate on behalf of the schools and libraries for reliable
financial support to keep their students and patrons
connected."
If you'd like to schedule some time to connect with Funds For
Learning, contact Madison.lee@finnpartners.com.
About Funds For Learning
Funds For Learning, LLC, is a compliance firm specializing in
the federal E-rate funding program for schools and libraries.
Funds For Learning supports E-rate stakeholders in all 50 states,
helping them navigate the application process to receive support
for internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity. To deliver applicant
feedback to the Federal Communications Commission and Congress,
Funds For Learning coordinates the annual E-Rate Trends Report. For
more information, please visit
https://www.fundsforlearning.com.
Media Contact
Funds For Learning, Funds For Learning, 5748500483,
madison@cblohm.com, https://www.fundsforlearning.com/
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SOURCE Funds For Learning