151630 2016 Eligible Service List DA 15 1012A1

User Manual: 2016 Eligible Service List

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Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554

In the Matter of
Modernizing the E-rate Program for
Schools and Libraries

)
)
)
)

WC Docket No. 13-184

ORDER
Adopted: September 11, 2015

Released: September 11, 2015

By the Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau:
I.

INTRODUCTION

1.
In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) releases the eligible services list
(ESL) for funding year 2016 for the schools and libraries universal service support program (more
commonly referred to as the E-rate program)1 and authorizes the Universal Service Administrative
Company (USAC) to open the annual application filing window no earlier than 60 days after release.2
2.
Last year, the Commission adopted two orders modernizing the E-rate program.3 In response
to the first of the E-rate Modernization Orders, we shortened and simplified last year’s ESL, while
including in that ESL the changes the Commission made to the program for funding year 2015.4 In the
ESL Public Notice for this coming funding year, we proposed keeping the basic structure of the ESL
while modifying the ESL to reflect the changes the Commission made to the E-rate program for funding
year 2016 in the Second E-rate Modernization Order, and to provide some minor clarifications.5 Based
on our review of the record, we now adopt those proposed changes to the ESL, with modifications as
described herein.
II.

BACKGROUND

3.
Sections 254(c)(1), (c)(3), (h)(1)(B), and (h)(2) of the Communications Act collectively grant
the Commission authority to specify the services that will be supported for eligible schools and libraries
1

See Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2016
(rel. September x, 2015) (Appendix B) (FY2016 ESL). The ESL specifies the services and products that are eligible
for E-rate discounts.
2

47 C.F.R. § 54.502(d) (requiring the final ESL to be released at least 60 days prior to the opening of the application
filing window).
3

Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries, WC Docket No. 13-184, Order, 29 FCC Rcd 8870
(2014) (E-rate Modernization Order); Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries, Connect America
Fund, WC Docket Nos. 13-184 and 10-90, Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, 29 FCC Rcd
15538 (2014) (Second E-rate Modernization Order) (together, E-rate Modernization Orders).
4

See Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism et al., CC Docket No. 02-6 et al., Order, 29 FCC
Rcd 13404 (2014) (2015 ESL and Order).
5

Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on Proposed Eligible Services List for the E-rate Program, WC
Docket No. 13-184, Public Notice, 30 FCC Rcd 4905 (2015) (ESL Public Notice).

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DA 15-1012

and to design the specific mechanisms of support.6 Pursuant to this authority, in the Second E-rate
Modernization Order, the Commission, among other things, made the following changes and
clarifications to the eligible services framework of the E-rate program: (1) equalized the E-rate program’s
treatment of lit and dark fiber; (2) allowed applicants to self-provision high-speed broadband networks if
the applicant is able to demonstrate that self-provisioning is the most cost-effective option and is able to
satisfy certain other conditions; and (3) clarified the cost allocation requirements for circuits carrying both
voice and data services.7
4.
In the ESL Public Notice, we sought comment on proposed revisions to the ESL for funding
year 2016 reflecting the expanded options for purchasing affordable high-speed connectivity adopted by
the Commission in the Second E-rate Modernization Order.8 The proposed revisions included equalizing
the treatment of leased lit and dark fiber; allowing support for self-provisioned networks under certain
circumstances, clarifying that all equipment and services necessary to operate and maintain fiber networks
must be competitively bid, and adding descriptions of eligible special construction charges.9 We also
sought comment on the addition of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) circuits to the list of
eligible voice services and clarifications regarding the eligibility of firewall services and components.10
The comment cycle closed on July 6, 2015.11
III.

DISCUSSION

5.
Having considered the record, we update the ESL for funding year 2016 as described herein.
We adopt several of the changes proposed in the ESL Public Notice and provide additional clarifications
to address comments and reply comments received in response to the ESL Public Notice. The changes
that we make to the section of the ESL dealing with Category One services reflect the additional options
the Commission provided applicants for purchasing high-speed connectivity to eligible schools and
libraries in the Second E-rate Modernization Order.12 With regard to Category Two of the ESL, we adopt
changes to the description of eligible firewall services, provide clarifications in response to comments and
reply comments, and decline commenters’ requests that we add certain services and equipment to the ESL
and revise certain descriptions of eligible Category Two services. We make these changes to the ESL to
clarify for all stakeholders what services are eligible for E-rate support and certain conditions for
eligibility, and to guide USAC in implementing the E-rate Modernization Orders.
A.

Modifications to the ESL Description of Eligible Category One Services

6.
Consistent with the Commission’s decision in the Second E-rate Modernization Order to
expand applicants’ options for purchasing affordable high-speed connectivity, we adopt several revisions
and clarifications to the list of eligible Category One Data Transmission Services and Internet Access,13
Voice Services, and to the accompanying explanations. We also adopt the proposed addition of ISDN to
the list of eligible voice services.
6

47 U.S.C. §§ 254(c)(1), 254(c)(3), 254(h)(1)(B), 254(h)(2).

Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15549, 15555, 15602, paras. 30, 43, 162.

ESL Public Notice, 30 FCC Rcd at 4905-06.

Id.

Id. at 4906.

Id. at 4905.

See Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15549, 15555, 15602, paras 30, 43, 162.

To provide clarity for applicants, we change the title of the list of eligible Category One broadband services to
“Data Transmission Services and Internet Access” to more accurately reflect how these services are described by
applicants and service providers. See ESH Reply Comments at 1.

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1.

DA 15-1012

Eligible Data Transmission Service and Internet Access

7.
We adopt the proposal in the ESL Public Notice to separately list Leased Lit Fiber, Dark Fiber,
and Self-Provisioned Broadband Networks as eligible services under the list of eligible Data
Transmission Services and Internet Access and delete the explanation of differing eligible costs for leased
lit and dark fiber. In the Second E-rate Modernization Order, the Commission decided to equalize the
treatment of lit and dark fiber by providing Category One support for the modulating electronics
necessary to light dark fiber and for special construction charges for dark fiber beyond the school or
library’s property line.14 The Commission also determined that schools and libraries can self-provision
networks under certain circumstances and adopted several safeguards to ensure cost-effective purchasing
for self-provisioned networks.15 Therefore, we adopt these substantive ESL changes to implement the
Second E-rate Modernization Order.
8.
In response to comments, and consistent with the Second E-rate Modernization Order, we also
add a new Note (2) under the list of eligible Data Transmission Services and Internet Access to remind
applicants that they must seek bids for lit fiber service and fully consider all responsive bids before
selecting and requesting support for a dark fiber or a self-provisioned broadband network.16 We decline
to adopt the recommendation by Unite Private Networks and USTelecom that the ESL characterize a selfprovisioned network as an option of last resort.17 As currently drafted, the ESL accurately reflects the
Commission’s determination that beginning in funding year 2016, subject to certain additional
safeguards, self-provisioning will be eligible for E-rate support when it is the most cost-effective option.18
2.

Special Construction

9.
We adopt, as proposed Note (3) and with slight modifications, what we had proposed as Note
(2) in the ESL Public Notice under the list of eligible Data Transmission Services and Internet Access.
Note (3) explains that there are three components of special construction: construction of network
facilities, design and engineering, and project management. The Second E-rate Modernization Order
made several changes regarding the eligibility of special construction charges and this note is necessary to
provide guidance to applicants on the eligible components of special construction.19
10.
The Commission previously identified special construction charges in the Sixth Report and
Order as “includ[ing] design and engineering, project management, digging trenches, and laying fiber.”20
14

See Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15550, para. 31.

See Id. at 15557-58, paras. 48-50.

See Unite Private Network Comments at 2; USTelecom Reply Comments at 2. See also Second E-rate
Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15553, 15557, paras. 39, 48.
17

See Unite Private Networks Comments at 2; USTelecom Reply Comments at 2.

See Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15557-58, paras. 47-50 (requiring that the applicant
demonstrate that a self-provisioned network is the most cost effective option, limiting funding of self-construction to
networks built and used within the same funding year, and requiring applicants to secure all resources necessary to
make effective use of the services they purchase); see also 47 C.F.R. §54.511.
19

In order to alleviate the upfront cost barrier to high-speed broadband deployment, the Commission directed USAC
to suspend its amortization requirement for large Category One non-recurring charges, permitted applicants to pay
the non-discounted portion of special construction costs in installments up to four years, and made special
construction costs for dark fiber and self-provisioned broadband networks eligible. See generally Second E-rate
Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15545-62, paras. 16-59.
20

Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, A National Broadband Plan for our Future, CC
Docket No. 02-6, GN Docket Not. 09-51, Order, 25 FCC Rcd 18762, 18773, para. 19, n.54 (Sixth Report and
Order).

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DA 15-1012

The ESL Public Notice proposed a description of eligible special construction costs as “upfront, nonrecurring costs of deployment or new or upgraded facilities, including design and engineering, project
management, and construction of network facilities.”21 In response to commenters, we further clarify that
eligible special construction costs are limited to these three components by deleting the word “including”
in that note.22 We decline to adopt the request made by some commenters that we classify all eligible
upfront non-recurring costs, such as modulating electronics and other equipment necessary to make a
Category One broadband service functional (collectively, “Network Equipment”)23 and upfront payments
for dark fiber indefeasible rights of use (IRUs),24 as special construction.25 We find that classifying all
eligible upfront costs as special construction would be unduly broad and inconsistent with Commission
precedent.26 We instead limit special construction support to the one-time costs of physically deploying
new or upgraded network facilities and the services required to complete that deployment, i.e.,
construction of network facilities, design and engineering, and project management. Other eligible large
upfront or non-recurring costs will be considered as separate Category One costs. Limiting special
construction costs to the three components identified in Note (3) will ensure that applicants will receive
support for the costs necessary to construct the network facilities required to meet the Commission’s
connectivity targets adopted in the E-rate Modernization Order27 and will further the Commission’s goal
of closing the rural connectivity gap as described in the Second E-rate Modernization Order.28
3.

Category One Equipment and Maintenance and Operation Services

11. We adopt, with minor revisions, the proposed explanation at Note (1) in the ESL Public Notice
that the eligible costs for lit fiber, dark fiber, and self-provisioned broadband networks include the
monthly charges, special construction, installation and activation, Network Equipment,29 and maintenance

ESL Public Notice, 30 FCC Rcd at 4910.

See Illinois Comments at 4 (requesting clarification of the costs included in special construction); SECA Reply
Comments at 7-9 (citing the questions raised by Illinois and requesting additional clarifications).
23

See FY2016 ESL at 2.

The suspension of the amortization requirement in the Second E-rate Modernization Order is for all large
Category One non-recurring costs, including dark fiber IRU contracts that include upfront payments in excess of
$500,000 and purchases of eligible Network Equipment in excess of $500,000. See Second E-rate Modernization
Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15546, para. 17. See Illinois Comments at 6 (requesting clarification that one-time dark fiber
IRU payments are eligible); SECA Reply Comments at 8 (requesting that the relief from the amortization
requirement should apply to dark fiber IRUs).
25

Illinois Comments at 4, SECA Reply Comments at 8.

See Sixth Report and Order, 25 FCC Rcd at 18773, n.54; see also Schools and Libraries Universal Service
Support Mechanism, A National Broadband Plan for Our Future, CC Docket No. 02-6, GN Docket No. 09-51,
Order, 28 FCC Rcd 14534, 14540 (Wireline Comp. Bur. 2013) (2014 ESL and Order) (stating that “special
construction charges include design and engineering costs, project management costs, and digging trenches and
laying fiber.”).
27

See E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 8885-88, paras. 34-43 (establishing Internet access targets of at
least 100 Mbps per 1,000 users short term and 1 Gbps per 1,000 users long term for schools and at least 100 Mbps
for libraries that service fewer than 50,000 people and 1 Gbps for libraries that serve 50,000 people or more;
establishing wide area network targets of 10 Gbps-capable connections for schools).
28

See Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15543, para. 12.

The final FY2016 ESL clarifies that Network Equipment eligible under Category One is limited to “modulating
electronics and other equipment necessary to make a Category One broadband service functional.” See FY2016
ESL at 2.

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DA 15-1012

and operation charges.30 This description of eligible costs recognizes that self-provisioned broadband
networks and dark fiber services require certain equipment and services that are typically included as part
of the cost of a leased lit fiber service.31 Therefore, beginning in funding year 2016 such services and
equipment will be eligible for Category One support when purchased by an E-rate applicant that owns a
network or lights dark fiber.32
12. In response to requests from commenters, we add a sentence to Note (1) to clarify that Network
Equipment and maintenance and operation are eligible under Category One when purchased for existing
self-provisioned networks and existing leased dark fiber that is lit by an E-rate applicant.33 This
clarification reflects the intent of the Commission to expand the fiber options available to applicants and
encourage increased competition by fully equalizing the E-rate program’s treatment of lit and dark fiber
and by supporting self-provisioned broadband networks.34 Applicants that currently own a selfprovisioned broadband network or lease dark fiber may apply for Category One support for new
modulating electronics and other equipment necessary to make the broadband service functional as well
as for maintenance and operating costs of those existing networks. For existing dark fiber or selfprovisioned networks, applicants will not be required to seek new bids for a lit fiber service in order to
receive funding to upgrade or refresh their Network Equipment or to re-contract for maintenance and
operation contracts. In addition, we clarify that one-time costs that are part of special construction,
specifically design and engineering and project management, are only E-rate eligible as part of a special
construction funding request that includes the costs of constructing network facilities.35
13. We decline the request made by some commenters that the ESL identify specific Network
Equipment and Category One maintenance and operation services eligible for E-rate support.36
Commenters provide several examples of Network Equipment including fiber optic transceivers, network
switches, network routers, and other modulating and routing electronics that are all examples of

ESL Public Notice, 30 FCC Rcd at 4910.

See Rural Health Care Support Mechanism, WC Docket No. 02-60, Report and Order, 27 FCC Rcd 16678,
16736, para. 125 (2012) (identifying maintenance and equipment costs as elements of dark fiber service); Second Erate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15550, para. 31 (modulating electronics are necessary to light fiber).
32

See Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15552, para. 36 (concluding that modulating electronics
necessary to light leased dark fiber are E-rate eligible). Maintenance costs for dark fiber were previously eligible.
See Sixth Report and Order, 25 FCC Rcd at 18773, para. 19. Modulating electronics and maintenance and operation
costs were previously eligible as part of an eligible lit fiber service. See 2015 ESL and Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 13420
(clarifying that maintenance charges and modulating electronics can be part of an eligible lit fiber service).
33

See, e.g., ESH Comments at 1 (explaining that additional guidance is needed on the eligibility of design,
maintenance, and operation costs through the whole life cycle of a self-provisioned network); Illinois Comments at
2-4 (seeking clarification that eligible costs are available for dark fiber and self-provisioned networks purchased or
constructed before FY2016).
34

See Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15549, para. 29.

ESH includes design with maintenance and operation costs. See ESH Comments at 1. Design and engineering
costs are limited to special construction and are not available for the whole life cycle of the network.
36

See e.g. NYC DOE Comments at 3-4 (requesting clarification of the eligibility of network switches at the access,
distribution, and core layers, device management servers, network performance reporting servers, firewalls, and
application delivery servers); Unite Private Networks Comments at 2-3 (requesting an FAQ or fact sheet identifying
specific categories of maintenance and operation to be included in an applicant’s total cost of ownership evaluation);
US Telecom Reply Comments at 2 (requesting that specific categories of maintenance and operation should be
identified in a FAQ or Fact Sheet and posted on USAC’s website, with a link provided in the ESL).

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“equipment necessary to make a Category One broadband service functional.”37 Likewise, we agree that
maintenance and operations services identified by commenters, including scheduled and routine
maintenance, emergency repairs, relocates, and operation of network services, are also examples of
eligible costs.38 However, these lists are not exhaustive, and we decline at this time to offer a list that
could be unnecessarily limiting. Applicants that self-provision broadband networks or lease dark fiber
should apply for E-rate funding for the Network Equipment and maintenance and operation services
necessary to provide high-speed broadband capabilities.
14. We remind all applicants that all E-rate eligible services and equipment must be competitively
bid and applicants are required to choose the most cost-effective option, using price as the primary
factor.39 Though we do not include a comprehensive list of specific eligible services and equipment to the
ESL for FY2016, we will continue to assess the services and equipment sought by applicants and may
revisit this issue for future funding years.
4.

Other Category One Modifications

15. We adopt the proposed addition of ISDN to the list of eligible voice services. No commenters
opposed this addition.40 As explained in the ESL Public Notice, ISDN is typically a voice-only service
that has been treated as synonymous with primary rate interface (PRI) voice service in previous ESLs.41
We add ISDN to the list of eligible voice services because we expect that applicants will continue to
utilize ISDN as a voice-only service. However, as explained in the ESL Public Notice, ISDN may be
purchase as a bundled voice and data service.42 ISDN will therefore remain on the list of eligible Data
Transmission Services and Internet Access so that an applicant that purchases bundled ISDN can cost
allocate the voice and data portions of the service as described in the Second E-rate Modernization
Order.43
16. To implement the clarification of the required cost effectiveness analysis for data plans and air
cards for mobile devices in the Second E-rate Modernization Order,44 we adopt the proposal in the ESL
Public Notice to expand the eligibility explanation for data plans and air cards and move it to the
Eligibility Explanations for Certain Category One Services.45

See E-rate Provider Services Comments at 4 (proposing that fiber optic and other mixed media transceivers,
appliance-based form-factor CPE routers, and chassis-based form-factor CPE routers be included in the ESL);
SECA Reply Comments at 6 (agreeing with the list of eligible Category One equipment proposed in the E-rate
Provider Services Comments).
38

See Illinois Comments at 7 (seeking clarification that maintenance includes patrol of fiber network, correcting
potential hazards or deficiencies, emergency repair and restoration, “call before you dig,” and relocates); SECA
Reply Comments at 10 (requesting that eligible maintenance cover scheduled and routine maintenance including
network monitoring, ongoing operation, emergency repairs, “call before you dig,” and relocates).
39

See 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.503, 54.511.

USTelecom requested that we require the applicant, as opposed to the service provider, to determine the
appropriate cost allocation for ISDN. We note that E-rate program rules already require the applicant to determine
the cost allocation for mixed eligibility services. See 47 C.F.R. 54.504(e).
41

ESL Public Notice, 30 FCC Rcd at 4906.

Id.

See Second E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15602, para. 162.

Id. at 15600, para. 156.

We decline T-Mobile’s request that we add a sentence to the ESL stating that an applicant that does not receive
any bids for a fixed broadband connections and Wi-Fi network has satisfied the cost effectiveness test for the
(continued….)

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B.

DA 15-1012

Modifications to Eligible Category Two Services

17. We adopt the proposed clarification of the description of firewall services eligible under
Category Two of the ESL and provide other clarifications in response to questions about Category Two
equipment and services in the existing ESL. We also decline requests from some commenters that we
expand the list of eligible Category Two equipment and services or revise other descriptions in Category
Two.
1.

Firewall

18. Consistent with the Commission’s direction in the Sixth Report and Order and the E-rate
Modernization Order that only basic firewall protection provided as part of Internet access is eligible as a
Category One service and that other firewall services are eligible as Category Two services, we adopt the
clarification proposed in the ESL Public Notice that firewall protection that is provided by a vendor other
than the Internet access provider or priced out separately will be considered a Category Two internal
connections component.46 Notwithstanding the Commission’s direction, commenters request that we
clarify the eligibility of firewall services47 and designate all firewall services as part of Category One
Internet access.48 Commenters also request that we expand eligibility to include other network security
services.49 However, in the E-rate Modernization Order, the Commission expressly declined to further
expand eligibility to additional network security services in order to focus Category Two funding on other
necessary wireless local area network (WLAN) equipment and services.50 In light of previous
Commission direction, we remind commenters that firewall services other than those offered as a standard
part of eligible Internet access are eligible under Category Two, and we deny the requests to designate all
firewall services as Category One and to add additional network security services to the ESL.
2.

Virtualized and Cloud-Based Functionalities

19. We decline requests by commenters for additions to Note (1) under Eligible Broadband
Internal Connections.51 Note (1) explains that hardware and software solutions that virtualize the
(Continued from previous page)
purchase of data plans and air cards. T-Mobile Comments at 4. We agree with ESH that, in this unlikely
circumstance, the lack of bids does not necessarily establish cost effectiveness. See ESH Reply Comments at 2.
46

See Sixth Report and Order, 25 FCC Rcd at 19808, para. 105; E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 8917,
para. 119 (“limit[ing] internal connections support to those broadband distribution services and equipment needed to
deliver broadband to students and library patrons: routers, switches, wireless access points, internal cabling, racks,
wireless controller systems, firewall services, uninterruptable power supply, and the software supporting each of
these components used to distribute high-speed broadband throughout school buildings and libraries”); see also
2015 ESL and Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 13409, para. 14.
47

ESH Comments at 2 (requesting clarification that firewall services hosted by the service provider are eligible),
FFL Comments at 3 (requesting clarification of eligible firewall functionalities), SECA Reply Comments at 14
(asserting that next generation firewall should be eligible), USTelecom Reply Comments at 9-10 (requesting
clarification of the treatment of firewall services).
48

Friday Institute Reply Comments at 3 (urging that content filtering and firewall services be made eligible as
Category One).
49

Id. at 2 (seeking clarification that content filtering is a form of firewall service); HP Comments at 3 (requesting
the addition of enhanced network security features such as Policy Management Systems and Intrusion Prevention
Systems to the ESL).
50

See E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 8918, para. 121 & n.275 (declining to designate services
suggested by commenters, including intrusion protection and detection, malware protection, application control,
content filters, DDoS mitigation, and cybersecurity services, as eligible).
51

See e.g. Education Partners Solutions Comments at 2-3 (requesting clarification that equipment and software that
provides virtualized network functions is eligible); FFL Comments at 5 (urging the Commission to clarify that
(continued….)

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functionalities of the eligible internal connections equipment listed in that section are eligible for E-rate
support. The Commission made broadband distribution services and equipment that can be virtualized
into the cloud, such as wireless controllers, eligible for Category Two internal connections support in the
E-rate Modernization Order.52 We added Note (1) under Eligible Broadband Internal Connections in the
ESL for funding year 2015 to implement that Commission decision.53 We agree with commenters that
virtualized products, including hardware and software, that perform the same functions as eligible internal
connections equipment are eligible.54 We also agree that virtualized functionalities such as Software
Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) – solution that virtualize eligible
routing, switching, controller, and firewall functionalities – are eligible and may be a more cost effective
solution than traditional wireless local area network components.55 We emphasize, however, that only
virtualized solutions that perform the functions of eligible broadband internal connections are eligible.
We therefore decline requests from commenters that we make eligible cloud-based applications that
replace equipment that is not E-rate eligible, such as servers.56 Applicants must continue to competitively
bid the broadband internal connections equipment and functionalities that meet their needs and select the
most cost effective solution.
3.

Other Category Two Modifications

20. At the request of the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE), we also clarify
that applicants need not demonstrate that actual work was performed in order to receive E-rate support for
bug fixes, security patches, and online and telephone-based technical assistance as part of Basic
Maintenance of Internal Connections (BMIC).57 As NYC DOE points out, the 2010 Clarification Order
explained that although fixed price BMIC contracts are eligible for funding only for work that is actually
performed, there is a limited exception for bug fixes, security patches, and online and telephone-based
technical assistance.58 Although the ESL already indicates that bug fixes, security patches, and online and
telephone-based technical assistance are eligible BMIC, we add a sentence to the Eligibility Limitations
(Continued from previous page)
operating system software and virtual networking software that provide functionality equivalent to eligible
components are eligible); VMWare Reply Comments at 1 (software and hardware that support SDN or NFV should
be eligible).
52

E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 8917, para. 119.

See 2015 ESL and Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 13418.

See HP Comments at 2-3 (requesting clarification that SDN applications that replace network hardware are
eligible); SECA Reply Comments at 14 (requesting eligibility of SDN and other virtualized options). See E-rate
Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 8971, para. 119. Eligibility is limited to the virtualized functionalities of
eligible broadband internal connection services and equipment. Id. (“limit[ing] internal connections support to those
broadband distribution services and equipment needed to deliver broadband to students and library patrons: routers,
switches, wireless access points, internal cabling, racks, wireless controller systems, firewall services,
uninterruptable power supply, and the software supporting each of these components used to distribute high-speed
broadband throughout school buildings and libraries.”).
55

See HP Comments at 2-3 (explaining that SDN will allow E-rate to fund more applicants at a lower cost);
Education Partners Comments at 2 (explaining that SDN and NFV may be the most cost effective, scalable solution
for applicants); VMWare Comments at 1 (requesting eligibility for SDN and NFV to allow the most appropriate,
scalable, cost effective solutions).
56

See Education Partners Solutions Comments at 2 (requesting that cloud-based servers be made eligible).

See NYC DOE Comments at 3.

Id.; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, A National Broadband Plan for Our Future,
CC Docket No. 02-6, GN Docket No. 09-51, Order, 25 FCC Rcd 17324, 17235-17326, paras. 5-6 (2010) (2010
Clarification Order).

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for Basic Maintenance on page 7 of the FY2016 ESL to more closely match the 2010 Clarification Order.
21. Funds for Learning and SECA request that self-provisioned network monitoring and
management functionality for internal connections be identified on the ESL as eligible services.59 In the
E-rate Modernization Order, the Commission made managed internal broadband services (MIBS)
eligible for internal connections support.60 The Commission determined that network management and
operation services are only E-rate eligible when provided by a third party as part of eligible MIBS.61 The
Commission did not otherwise change the ineligible status of network monitoring and management
equipment and software.62 Applicants seeking support for such services can therefore seek support for
such services as MIBS, but cannot seek otherwise seek support for such functionality.
22. We also adopt other minor clarifications and edits proposed in the ESL Public Notice. For
example, we change references to “Internet access services” to “Internet access” throughout the ESL and
we delete the explanation of 800 service.63
23. We make no other changes to the ESL for funding year 2016, and we specifically decline to
address or consider certain comments requesting that we add services to the list or provide additional
clarifications.64 Several commenters raise E-rate eligibility issues that are beyond the scope of the ESL
Public Notice, were resolved by the Commission in the E-rate Modernization Order and Second E-rate
Modernization Order and are therefore outside the scope of this proceeding,65 or are beyond the scope of
the Bureau’s authority to annually revise the ESL.66 Due to the complexity of these issues and the limited
scope of the ESL proceeding, we do not address these requests at this time.
59

See FFL Comments at 3-4; SECA Reply Comments at 13.

E-rate Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 8918-19, para. 123.

Id. at 8920, para. 128.

See 2014 ESL and Order, 28 FCC Rcd at 14550, 14555 (network management software, service and equipment
are ineligible); 2015 ESL and Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 13432 (basic maintenance of internal connections does not
include network management services, including 24 hour network monitoring).
63

See, e.g. ESL Public Notice, 30 FCC Rcd at 4910. No comments were filed on these proposed edits.

See, e.g., Education Partners Solutions Comments at 3 (requesting that support for DNS and DHCP services be
reinstated); ESH Comments at 1 (recommending removal of certain services and additional clarifications to the list
of eligible digital transmission services); SHLB Reply Comments at 2 (urging the Commission to not rule out
previously eligible services at this time); ESH Comments at 2 (asking the Commission to require applicants that
request support for Internet access service of less than 25 Mbps to establish that no faster service is available).
65

Some commenters sought to revisit the Commission’s determinations regarding data plans and air cards. See
AdTec Comments at 1 (reiterating opposition to any limitations on purchases of data plans and air cards for mobile
devices); T-Mobile Comments at 3 (seeking to require applicants to include maintenance and security costs when
comparing fixed WLAN solutions to data plans and air cards for mobile devices). The Commission has previously
stated that applicants must consider the total cost of all components of delivering service. See Second E-rate
Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15601, para. 158. One commenter requested that applicants should be able to
consider the likelihood of receiving Category Two support when determining if mobile broadband services are cost
effective. T-Mobile Comments at 6. The Commission previously rejected this argument. Second E-rate
Modernization Order, 29 FCC Rcd at 15601, para. 159.
66

See ESH Comments at 2 (requesting that funding of Internet access of less than 25 Mbps should require the
applicant to establish that no faster service is available); CRW Consulting Comments at 3, E-rate Central Reply
Comments at 1-3, SECA Reply Comments at 2-4 (all requesting that the Commission revisit its prohibition on
duplicative services); Education Partner Solutions Comments at 3-4 (requesting that self-provisioned networks
should be required to charge a Universal Service Fund (USF) contributions fee, or USF contributions should be
waived for Category One services from telecommunications providers).

Federal Communications Commission
IV.

DA 15-1012

ORDERING CLAUSE

24. ACCORDINGLY, IT IS ORDERED, that pursuant to the authority contained in sections 1
through 4, 254, 303(r), and 403 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151-154,
254, 303(r), and 403, and sections 0.91 and 54.502 of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.91 and
54.502, this Order IS ADOPTED.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Matthew S. DelNero
Chief
Wireline Competition Bureau

Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

APPENDIX A
List of Commenters
Comments and Reply Comments in Response to the
ESL Public Notice
WC Docket No. 13-184
Commenters
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

ADS Advanced Data Services, Inc.
AdTec
CRW Consulting
EducationSuperHighway (ESH)
Education Partner Solutions, Inc.
E-Rate Provider Servcies, LLC.
Funds for Learning, LLC (FFL)
Hewlett-Packard Company (HP)
Illinois Department of Central Management Services (Illinois)
New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE)
T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile)
Unite Private Networks

Reply Commenters
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

ADS Advanced Data Services, Inc.
ESH
E-Rate Central
Exebridge, Inc.
Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, North Carolina State University (Friday Institute)
Hazel Reyes
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI)
Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB)
State E-rate Coordinators’ Alliance (SECA)
United States Telecom Association (USTelecom)
VMWare, Inc.

Federal Communications Commission
APPENDIX B
Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2016

DA 15-1012

Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism – Eligible Services List
(WC Docket No. 13-184)
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) rules provide that all services that are eligible to
receive discounts under the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism (otherwise
known as the E-rate program or “E-rate”) are listed in this Eligible Services List (ESL). The E-rate
program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Eligible schools
and libraries may seek E-rate support for eligible Category One telecommunications services,
telecommunications, and Internet access and Category Two internal connections, basic maintenance, and
managed internal broadband services as identified herein. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.5, 54.500, and 54.502(a).
Additional guidance from USAC about the E-rate application process and about eligible services,
including a glossary of terms, is available at USAC’s website at http://www.usac.org/sl/. The documents
on USAC’s website are not incorporated by reference into the ESL and do not bind the Commission.
Thus, they will not be used to determine whether a service or product is eligible. Applicants and service
providers are free to refer to those documents, but just for informal guidance. This ESL, dated [[Month
XX, 2015]], implements changes adopted in the E-rate Modernization Order (FCC 14-99) and in the
Second E-rate Modernization Order (FCC 14-189), and therefore represents a change from prior funding
years. This ESL applies to funding requests for Funding Year 2016.

Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

Category One
The first category of supported services, Category One, includes the services needed to support broadband
connectivity to schools and libraries. Eligible Category One services are listed in the entries for data
transmission services and Internet access and voice services. This category consists of the services that
provide broadband to eligible locations including data links that connect multiple points, services used to
connect eligible locations to the Internet, and services that provide basic conduit access to the Internet.
With the exception of dark fiber and self-provisioned broadband networks, maintenance and technical
support appropriate to maintain reliable operation are only eligible for support when provided as a
component of these services. Voice services, as described below, are subject to a phase down of support
beginning in Funding Year (FY) 2015.
Data transmission services and Internet access
Digital transmission services and Internet access are eligible in Category One. These services
include:
 Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
 Broadband over Power Lines
 Cable Modem
 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
 DS-1 (T-1), DS-3 (T-3), and Fractional T-1 or T-3
 Ethernet
 Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
 Leased Lit Fiber
 Dark Fiber
 Self-Provisioned Broadband Networks
 Frame Relay
 Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)
 OC-1, OC-3, OC-12, OC-n
 Satellite Service
 Switched Multimegabit Data Service
 Telephone dial-up
 Wireless services (e.g., microwave)
Notes: (1) E-rate support is available for leased lit fiber, dark fiber, and self-provisioned broadband
networks as described in the Second E-rate Modernization Order (FCC 14-189). Eligible costs
include monthly charges, special construction, installation and activation charges, modulating
electronics and other equipment necessary to make a Category One broadband service functional
(“Network Equipment”), and maintenance and operation charges. Network Equipment and
maintenance and operation costs for existing networks are eligible. All equipment and services,
including maintenance and operation, must be competitively bid.
(2) Applicants that seek bids for special construction of dark fiber or self-provisioned broadband
networks must also seek bids for lit fiber service and fully consider all responsive bids.
(3) Applicants may seek special construction funding for the upfront, non-recurring costs for the
deployment of new or upgraded facilities. The eligible components of special construction are
construction of network facilities, design and engineering, and project management.
(4) Staff salaries and labor costs for personnel of the applicant or underlying beneficiary are not Erate eligible.
2

Federal Communications Commission

Eligible voice services.
Eligible voice services are subject to an annual 20 percentage
point phase down of E-rate support beginning in FY 2015, as
described in the E-rate Modernization Order. For FY 2016, the
effective reduced discount rate will be 40 percentage points.
The reduced discount rate for voice services will apply to all
applicants and all costs for the provision of telephone services
and circuit capacity dedicated to providing voice services
including:










Centrex
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
Interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
Local, long distance, and 800 (toll-free) service
Plain old telephone service (POTS)
Radio loop
Satellite telephone service
Shared telephone service (only the portion of the shared
services relating to the eligible use and location may
receive discounts)
Wireless telephone service including cellular voice and
excluding data and text messaging

DA 15-1012

Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

Eligibility explanations for certain Category One services:
Internet access – Eligible Internet access may include features such as basic firewall protection,
domain name service, and dynamic host configuration when these features are provided as a
standard component of a vendor’s Internet access service. Firewall protection that is provided by
a vendor other than the Internet access provider or priced out separately will be considered a
Category Two internal connections component. Examples of items that are ineligible
components of Internet access include applications, content, e-mail, and end-user devices and
equipment such as computers, laptops, and tablets.
Wireless services and wireless Internet access – As clarified in the Second E-rate
Modernization Order, data plans and air cards for mobile devices are eligible only in instances
when the school or library seeking support demonstrates that the individual data plans are the
most cost-effective option for providing internal broadband access for mobile devices at schools
and libraries. Applicants should compare the cost of data plans or air cards for mobile devices to
the total cost of all components necessary to deliver connectivity to the end user device, including
the cost of Internet access and data transmission service to the school or library. Seeking support
for data plans or air cards for mobile devices for use in a school or library with an existing
broadband connection and wireless local area network implicates the E-rate program’s
prohibition on requests for duplicative services.
Off-campus use, even if used for an educational purpose, is ineligible for support and must be
cost allocated out of any funding request.
Managed internal broadband services, such as managed Wi-Fi, are eligible only for Category
Two support.

Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

Category Two
The second category of equipment and services eligible for E-rate support, Category Two, includes the
internal connections needed for broadband connectivity within schools and libraries. Support is limited to
the internal connections necessary to bring broadband into, and provide it throughout, schools and
libraries. These are broadband connections used for educational purposes within, between, or among
instructional buildings that comprise a school campus or library branch, and basic maintenance of these
connections, as well as services that manage and operate owned or leased broadband internal connections
(e.g., managed internal broadband services or managed Wi-Fi). Category Two support is subject to perschool or per-library budgets as set forth in the E-rate Modernization Order and Second E-rate
Modernization Order. The eligible components and services in Category Two are:
Eligible Broadband Internal Connections











Access points used in a local area network (LAN) or
wireless local area network (WLAN) environment
(such as wireless access points)
Antennas, cabling, connectors, and related components
used for internal broadband connections
Caching
Firewall services and components separate from basic
firewall protection provided as a standard component of
a vendor’s Internet access service.
Switches
Routers
Racks
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)/Battery Backup
Wireless controller systems
Software supporting the components on this list used to
distribute high-speed broadband throughout school
buildings and libraries

Notes: (1) Functionalities listed above that can be virtualized
in the cloud, and equipment that combines eligible
functionalities, like routing and switching, are also eligible.
(2) A manufacturer’s multi-year warranty for a period up to
three years that is provided as an integral part of an eligible
component, without a separately identifiable cost, may be
included in the cost of the component.
(3) Caching is defined as a method that stores recently accessed
information. Caching stores information locally so that the
information is accessible more quickly than if transmitted
across a network from a distance. A caching service or
equipment that provides caching, including servers necessary
for the provision of caching, is eligible for funding.

Federal Communications Commission
Eligible Managed Internal Broadband Services




Services provided by a third party for the operation,
management, and monitoring of eligible broadband
internal connections are eligible managed internal
broadband services (e.g., managed Wi-Fi).
E-rate support is limited to eligible expenses or portions
of expenses that directly support and are necessary for
the broadband connectivity within schools and libraries.
Eligible expenses include the management and operation
of the LAN/WLAN, including installation, activation
and initial configuration of eligible components, and onsite training on the use of eligible equipment.
In some eligible managed services models, the third
party manager owns and installs the equipment and
school and library applicants lease the equipment as part
of the managed services contract. In other cases, the
school or library may own the equipment, but have a
third party manage it for them.

Basic Maintenance of Eligible Broadband Internal
Connections
E-rate support is available for basic maintenance and technical
support appropriate to maintain reliable operation when
provided for eligible broadband internal connections.
The following basic maintenance services are eligible:
 Repair and upkeep of eligible hardware
 Wire and cable maintenance
 Configuration changes
 Basic technical support including online and telephone
based technical support
 Software upgrades and patches including bug fixes and
security patches

DA 15-1012

Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

Eligibility limitations for Category Two:
Eligibility limitations for managed internal broadband services - The equipment eligible for support
as part of a managed internal broadband service may include only equipment listed as a broadband
internal connections component above. Upfront charges that are part of a managed service contract are
eligible for E-rate support except to the extent that the upfront charges are for any ineligible internal
connections (e.g., servers other than those that are necessary to provide caching) which, if included in the
contract, must be cost allocated out of any funding request.
Eligibility limitations for basic maintenance – Basic maintenance is eligible for support only if it is a
component of a maintenance agreement or contract for eligible broadband internal connections. The
agreement or contract must specifically identify the eligible internal connections covered, including
product name, model number, and location. Support for basic maintenance will be paid for the actual
work performed under the agreement or contract. Support for bug fixes, security patches, and technical
support is not subject to this limitation. Basic maintenance does not include:
 Services that maintain ineligible equipment
 Upfront estimates that cover the full cost of every piece of eligible equipment
 Services that enhance the utility of equipment beyond the transport of information, or diagnostic
services in excess of those necessary to maintain the equipment’s ability to transport information
 Network management services, including 24-hour network monitoring
 On-site technical support (i.e., contractor duty station at the applicant site) unless applicants
present sufficient evidence of cost-effectiveness
 Unbundled warranties

Federal Communications Commission

DA 15-1012

Miscellaneous
As described below, various miscellaneous services associated with Category One or Category Two are
eligible for support. Applicants should request eligible miscellaneous services in the same category as the
associated service being obtained or installed.
Fees
Fees and charges that are a necessary component of an eligible
product or service are eligible including:
 Change fees
 Contingency fees are eligible if they are reasonable and
a regular business practice of the service provider.
Contingency fees will be reimbursed only if the work is
performed.
 Freight assurance fees
 Lease or rental fees on eligible equipment
 Per diem and/or travel time costs are eligible only if a
contract with a vendor for the eligible product or
services specifically provides for these costs
 Shipping charges
 Taxes, surcharges, and other similar, reasonable
charges incurred in obtaining an eligible product or
service are eligible. This includes customer charges for
universal service fees, but does not include additional
charges for universal service administration.
Installation, activation, and initial configuration
Installation, activation, and initial configuration of eligible
components are eligible. These services may include:
 Design and engineering costs if these services are
provided as an integral component of the installation of
the relevant services
 Project management costs if these services are provided
as an integral component of the installation of the
relevant services
 On-site training is eligible as a part of installation
services but only if it is basic instruction on the use of
eligible equipment, directly associated with equipment
installation, and is part of the contract or agreement for
the equipment. Training must occur coincidently or
within a reasonable time after installation.

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