SHLB Urges FCC to Improve E-rate Application, Review Process for Fiber Self-Construction
The FCC should improve processing of E-rate funding requests for school and library self-construction of fiber projects, said the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition in a filing posted Thursday in docket 13-184. SHLB said more than half of the…
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"special construction" requests in funding year 2016 were denied or withdrawn, and despite some helpful procedural changes, a "sizeable collection of FY 2017 fiber special construction requests are still in review." Recommendations for improving the fiber application and review process include that the FCC clarify the standard of review for these requests. School and library E-rate applicants must show they chose the most cost-effective solutions, but Universal Service Administrative Co. without explanation denied "numerous" requests where applicants submitted documentation showing their projects were "the most cost-effective," and often the lowest-cost, project, SHLB said. It said when applicants conduct valid competitive bidding processes, USAC and the FCC should defer to applicant cost-effectiveness analysis.