The FCC announced new rules on Sept. 23rd that significantly help to accelerate the National Broadband Plan. Under the new rules the FCC expands the options for schools and libraries use of E-Rate funds for broadband networks. Schools and libraries will now be able to use E-Rate to acquire dark fiber as well as lit services from national R&E Networks such as MAGPI. Previously schools and libraries had not been permitted under FCC's old E-Rate regulations to use E-Rate funds for dark fiber or lit services which greatly inhibited schools from achieving the National Broadband Plan.

“The new ruling by the FCC that now includes dark fiber and lit wavelengths as e-rate eligible is long overdue.  Given the significant number of ARRA/BTOP awards that have been granted to state and regional research and education networks, the sustainability of these organizations has been greatly improved. The FCC has shown its vision and adaptability in keeping up with the rapid changes in technology” said Greg Palmer, Executive Director of MAGPI.

By allowing access to modern telecommunications and information services under E-Rate rules, these important institutions and the millions of U.S. citizens they serve will not only be able to acquire more broadband capacity for their money, but the money—awarded under the FCC E-rate program—will also stretch much further, funding a greater number of services for a greater number of schools and libraries.

The changes remove constraints institutions experienced under the old rules; they provide the flexibility institutions need to make forward-looking decisions and enable life-changing networking applications for their communities. The FCC order also enables institutions to take advantage of network fiber and service providers, both commercial and nonprofit. The E-rate changes complement investments from federal network infrastructure programs such as the Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program at the Department of Commerce, among others.

The full FCC order can be found on the FCC website at: http://www.fcc.gov/
National Broadband Plan http://www.broadband.gov/