Latest News: Alerts

On April 1, 2026, the FCC released a streamlined decision resolving a large group of requests across several universal service programs, including E-Rate, the Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, High-Cost, and Lifeline. The action reflects the Bureau’s continued focus on enforcing filing deadlines, procedural requirements, and program rules while granting relief only in limited cases supported by precedent or unique circumstances. In the

FCC Order DA 26-166 (February 17, 2026) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a series of E‑Rate appeals from applicants and service providers whose invoices were rejected as late, even though they were submitted before the deadlines reflected in Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) systems and tools.​ The FCC waived the E‑Rate invoice filing deadline rule (47 CFR § 54.514(a)) for these funding requests

What Happened The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has denied both the appeal and waiver request filed by Child Development Resources of Ventura County, Inc. (CDR) related to an Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) application for Wi‑Fi hotspots.​CDR had sought reimbursement for 1,502 hotspots at $249.99 each, plus 12 months of service, intended for pre‑K students and staff in its Head Start centers.​ USAC initially committed