The FCC Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 16, 2021 to consider the implementation of an online competitive bidding portal for E-rate. This would replace a process by which service providers submit bids directly to applicants for E-Rate-supported equipment and services. The order also seeks comment on other ways to improve the competitive bidding process and enhance program integrity.

The NPRM and news release are available at https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-looks-promote-fair-open-competitive-bidding-e-rate-program-0 along with a statement by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

The WCB has adopted the proposals set forth in the Bureau's Public Notice seeking comment on the proposed eligible services list for funding year 2022.

Download FY2022 ESL

On December 2, 2021 the WCB granted SECA's petition for an expedited waiver of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program's invoice filing deadline and clarified the service delivery date.

Download DA-21-1499 PDF

On November 19, 2021, SECA released its latest Year in Review summarizing our extensive activities during Calendar Year 2021.

The WCB is inviting stakeholders to comment on the proposed Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2022.

Comment Date: September 27, 2021

Reply Comment Date: October 12, 2021

Download DA 21-1062 Public Notice PDF

The WCB has announced that there is sufficient funding available to fully meet the USAC's estimated demand for Category One and Category Two requests for E-Rate supported services for Funding Year 2021, and directs USAC to fully fund eligible Category One and Category Two requests, using the $500 million in E-Rate funds unused from prior years, and any additional funds needed under the current funding cap to fully meet demand for such services.

Download DA 21-1063 Public Notice PDF

In view of outstanding demand and the recent spike in coronavirus cases, the FCC will open a second ECF application filing window for schools and libraries to request funding for connected devices and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons for the current 2021-22 school year.

During the second application filing window, which will run from September 28 to October 13, eligible schools and libraries can apply for financial support to purchase eligible equipment and services for students, school staff and library patrons with unmet needs.

The funding is available for the purchase of laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons in need, and is available to support off-campus learning, such as homework, even if schools have returned to full time in-person instruction.

Along with ALA, COSN, SHLB and SETDA, SECA signed a letter filed with the FCC requesting the E-rate gift rule waiver be extended through June 30, 2022. This is consistent with the ECF gift rule waiver.

Download Joint Letter

The FCC has adopted and announced the final rules to implement the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF). This $7.17 billion program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, will enable schools and libraries to purchase laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and broadband connectivity for students, school staff, and library patrons in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Download FCC Order 21-58

The Remote Learning Coalition, with signatories including Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, State E-Rate Coordinators’ Alliance (SECA), Funds For Learning, Consortium for School Networking, State Educational Technology Directors Association, American Library Association, and Urban Libraries Council filed an Ex Parte recommending changes to the draft ECF Order.

Download Remote Learning Coalition ECF Ex Parte Letter