FCC Extends E-rate Filing Deadline 120 Days

E-rate applicants and service providers may submit an invoice up to 120 days after the Universal Service Administrative Co. issues a letter approving a post-commitment request or granting an appeal of a previously denied or reduced funding request, said a new order by the FCC Wireline Bureau. The order in Friday's Daily Digest also allows relief to be requested regardless of whether applicants or providers were unable to file an invoice while awaiting a post-commitment decision and file a waiver request. It also waived the existing invoice rule for program participants that were unable to submit an invoice while awaiting a post-commitment decision and filed a pending request for a waiver during FY 2016. This is "the right thing to do right now," said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement. She also expressed disappointment the commission didn't take more action.