OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
April 3, 2018
The Honorable Morgan Griffith
U.S. House of Representatives
2202 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Griffith:
Thank you for your letter in response to the Wireline Competition Bureau's Public Notice
regarding the E-Rate program's category two budgets. Your views are important and will be
considered as the Bureau prepares its report for the Commission.
In 2014, the Commission adopted five-year budgets for schools and libraries purchasing
category two services, including the services and equipment needed for Wi-Fi in classrooms.
This rule replaced the old "two in five" rule, which made planning for category two services and
equipment difficult for many schools and libraries. But this rule change was temporary-it went
into effect in funding year 2015 and will sunset in funding year 2020. To help the Commission
decide whether to renew this approach, the Commission directed the Bureau to monitor and
provide a report on category two applicant budgets using data gathered in funding years 2015
through 2018. The Bureau's report to the Commission is due before the filing window for
funding year 2019 opens next year.
In preparation for its report, the Bureau released the Public Notice referenced in your
letter. The Public Notice sought comment from applicants, service providers, and other
interested parties about how applicants have used their category two budgets, and the percentage
of category two services purchased by applicants that were or will be covered by the budgets.
The Bureau also sought data and feedback on how the budgets impact different types of E-Rate
applicants, such as those in rural or remote geographies or those with unique student populations.
Finally, the Bureau sought general comment on the administration of the budgets.
The comment cycle for the Public Notice has closed and Bureau staff is carefully
reviewing the submissions. The Bureau will take into consideration the issues and concerns
presented by all stakeholders.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Ajit V. Pai