SECA - News

Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of E-Rate Funding in Major Victory

Tuesday, July 01, 2025 8:00 AM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

How E-Rate Works:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets E-Rate program rules and oversees the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which in turn runs the day-to-day operation of the program. E-Rate receives its funding from fees that telecommunications carriers pay into the Universal Service Fund (USF).

The Legal Challenge:
Nearly a year ago, a Circuit Court ruled that the Universal Service Fund was unconstitutional, thereby putting the entirety of the E-Rate program at risk. The court found that Congress violated the "nondelegation doctrine" by giving the FCC and USAC too much power without clear guidelines. The doctrine requires Congress to provide specific direction when delegating authority to other agencies.

The Supreme Court Decision:
In a major victory for E-Rate and other Universal Service Fund programs, on June 27, 2025 the Supreme Court overturned the Circuit Court's decision in a 6-3 ruling. The Court determined that:

Congress properly delegated authority to the FCC
The FCC's use of USAC as program administrator is permissible
Neither delegation violated the nondelegation doctrine
USF is in fact constitutional

WCB Announces C2 Budget Info for FY2026 - FY2030

Wednesday, June 04, 2025 12:50 PM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

The Wireline Competition Bureau has announced the category two multipliers and funding floors for the five-year cycle that will begin funding year 2026 and run through funding year 2030.

Download DA-25-471

SECA Files Ex Parte Recommending Modifications to the Category Two Program

Thursday, May 15, 2025 10:32 AM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

SECA has filed an Ex Parte communication to the FCC with recommendations to further clarify and streamline the Category Two budget program.

Download Filing

SECA Files Comments on Information Collection Through E-Rate Forms

Tuesday, February 04, 2025 6:08 AM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

SECA has filed comments regarding the information collection via Forms 479, 486, and 500.

Download Comments

FY2025 ESL Adopted

Monday, October 28, 2024 6:16 AM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

The WCB has adopted the final eligible services list for funding year 2025.

Download FY2025 ESL

WCB Announces Cybersecurity Pilot Program Application Window

Wednesday, September 04, 2024 12:14 PM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

The Wireline Competition Bureau has announced the FCC Form 484 application filing window for the Cybersecurity Pilot Program as opening Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 8 a.m. E.T. and closing on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. E.T.

Download DA 24-887 Public Notice PDF

SECA Files Comments on FY2025 ESL

Friday, August 30, 2024 6:42 AM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

SECA has filed comments regarding the FY2025 Eligible Services List asking the Commission to provide a Category Two funding option in support of advanced firewalls for E-rate applicants in FY2025.

Download Comments

WCB Seeks Comment on Proposed FY2025 ESL

Thursday, August 01, 2024 7:50 AM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

The WCB has released a proposed draft Eligible Services List for FY2025, which amongst other things, reflects the adoption of a recent Order making off-premises use of Wi-Fi hotsposts and mobile wireless Internet access services eligible for E-Rate. The Public Notice seeks comments on adopting such changes.

Comment Date: August 30, 2024

Reply Comment Date: September 16, 2024

Download DA 24-743 Public Notice PDF

FCC Order Approving Wi-Fi Hotspot Eligibility Released

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 1:25 PM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

The FCC has released an Order making off-premises use of Wi-Fi Hotspots and services eligible for E-Rate support. The Order also includes a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), seeking further comment on how to ensure the success of schools and libraries’ hotspot lending programs.

Download FCC 24-76 Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking PDF

FCC Adopts Cybersecurity Pilot Program

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 5:47 AM | Anne Perloff (Administrator)

The FCC has adopted a three-year pilot program within the Universal Service Fund to provide up to $200 million to support cybersecurity services and equipment for eligible schools and libraries.

Download FCC 24-63 Report and Order PDF

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