The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program is a program within the Universal Service Fund that assists schools and libraries across the United States in obtaining and affording advanced telecommunications services. WTA members are committed to serving their communities, especially anchor institutions such as schools and libraries. Whenever possible, WTA members strive to offer fiber-to-the-premises service so that the needs of their communities are met.
While ensuring schools and libraries are connected to the robust broadband networks is an important public policy goal, these public institutions should not creating their own networks that compete with networks partially funded by federal programs and operated by service providers. WTA continues to monitor these developments and has advocated for reform to ensure that existing networks are utilized rather than unnecessarily spending limited USF support on duplicative fiber networks.
FCC NPRM on Tribal Libraries – adopted February 16, 2023
- WTA comments – filed April 21, 2023
FCC NPRM on E-Rate Portal – released December 16, 2021
- WTA comments on E-Rate Portal – filed April 27, 2022
- WTA reply comments on E-Rate Portal – filed May 27, 2022
FCC NRPM on Tribal Libraries – released October 14, 2021
- WTA comments on Tribal libraries – filed November 15, 2021
Comments in support of Texas Carriers’ Petition – filed July 1, 2019
Public Notice on Cost Allocation Waiver Requests – adopted September 19, 2016
- Comments on Cost Allocation Waiver Requests – filed November 3, 2016
FCC’s National Map of Fiber Connections
FCC Seeks Comment on Cost Allocation Waiver Requests – released September 19, 2016
- WTA Comments on Cost Allocation Waiver Requests – filed November 3, 2016
FCC’s Second Order on Modernization –approved December 11, 2014
FCC’s Order and FNPRM – approved July 11, 2014
- FCC Staff Report on FNPRM
- Reply Comments of WTA – filed September 30, 2014
Comments of WTA in Support of Petitions for Reconsideration of “Rural” Definition – filed October 22, 2014
FCC’s NPRM Initiating E-Rate Reform – released July 19, 2013
- Comments of WTA and NTCA – filed September 16, 2013
- Reply Comments of WTA and NTCA – filed November 8, 203
