CSM SUBMITS COMMENTS TO FCC: HELP PROTECT THE FUTURE OF E-RATE
CSM Consulting has submitted formal comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to FCC 26-41, the Commission’s proceeding examining the future of the E-Rate program.
CSM’s message to the FCC is clear: Do not sunset E-Rate.
"CSM respectfully disagrees with the premise that the widespread availability of broadband and Wi-Fi in schools and libraries demonstrates that the fundamental objectives of the E-Rate program have been achieved to the extent that the program should be reduced, limited, or sunset." | ||||
In our comments, we emphasized that the tremendous progress schools and libraries have made in connectivity over the past 30 years is evidence of E-Rate’s success—not evidence that the program is no longer necessary. Schools and libraries continue to depend on E-Rate to maintain affordable broadband, upgrade internal networks, increase capacity, and prepare for emerging needs such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
CSM also opposed limiting E-Rate to only rural or high-cost areas, supported maintaining the existing NSLP and urban/rural discount methodology. Universal Service means service for all, not just rural applicants.
CALL TO ACTION WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD |
The deadline to submit comments is October 13, 2026. |
We strongly encourage E-Rate applicants to submit comments and share directly with the FCC what E-Rate means to their schools, libraries, students, and communities. Applicant experiences can provide an important perspective as the Commission considers the future of the program. The FCC wants to hear from YOU.
What has E-Rate allowed your district to accomplish over the last 30 years?
What would happen to your district if E-Rate funding were to disappear?
What would you have to cut, defer, sacrifice or go without to keep Internet at your district?
CSM will also be available to sit down with clients at next week’s ErateWorks Conference at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim who would like assistance preparing and submitting their comments before the deadline.
If E-Rate matters to your organization, now is the time to make your voice heard. |
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT CSM CLIENT SUBMITS COMMENTS TO NPRM |
As of this news alert, 40 of CSM's clients have already submitted comments. We hope that 50 applicants submit comments. Nationwide, over 2100 applicants have submitted comments –10% of all of the school districts. It is the most number of comments applicants have ever submitted to an E-Rate Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. It is the most important NPRM ever released by the FCC and we need more applicants to submit comments.
SHLB SHLB - SAVE OUR E-RATE |
STANDARD FILINGS
To submit comments to the FCC, please use the Standard Filing option by navigating to https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/standard, selecting Submit a Filing, and then selecting Standard Filing.
Complete the filing using the following information:
Proceedings: Reference all four (4) dockets:
13-184
26-133
21-93
21-455
Name of Filer: Enter the School District name.
Attorney/Author Name: Enter the name of the person submitting the comments.
Type of Filing: Select COMMENT.
File Number: Enter FCC 26-41.
Address: Enter the School District address.
Email Confirmation: Select the option to receive an email confirmation of the filing.
REPLY COMMENTS
If you would like to submit reply comments, change the Type of Filing to REPLY Comments in the instructions above. Reply comments are due no later than November 12, 2026.
