E-rate Group Raises Concerns About Program Requirements

The State E-rate Coordinators’ Alliance raised concerns about the E-rate program in a virtual meeting with FCC Wireline Bureau staff. The group repeated its opposition to the proposed competitive bidding portal, saying it would be "difficult if not impossible to accommodate the unique and different bidding requirements already in effect at the state and local level across the country," per an ex parte filing posted Friday in docket 02-6. SECA asked that E-rate be streamlined by having the Universal Service Administrative Co. "provide the ancillary use option" during program integrity assurance reviews and audits "as an alternative to the strict cost allocation requirement." The group also raised concerns about delays for Emergency Connectivity Program applicants regarding the approval of post-commitment requests, saying the delays are "causing hardship for applicants and service providers to timely order and receive equipment and services."