FCC Seeks Comment on Proposed E-Rate Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2017

The FCC proposed an E-rate eligible services list (ESL) for schools and libraries looking at participating in the USF discount program for the funding year starting July 1, 2017. Comments are due July 5, replies July 20, said a Wireline Bureau public notice Friday in docket 13-184. The program supports two types of eligible services: Category One covers services needed to provide broadband connectivity to schools and libraries, and Category Two covers internal connections. "The proposed ESL revises the description of eligible dark fiber service under Category One to read 'Leased Dark Fiber (including dark fiber indefeasible rights of use (IRUs) for a set term).' This revision is intended to further explain the distinction between leased dark fiber and self-provisioned fiber under E-rate program rules," said the PN. Among other possible updates, the PN proposes to include a new explanation on the treatment of connections between multiple buildings of a single school, classifying those located on a single campus as Category Two internal connections and those connecting buildings on separate campuses as Category One connections.