FCC plans to streamline E-rate program with bidding portal

The Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program
subsidizing advanced telecommunications investments by schools and libraries should concentrate on student bandwidth goals and expanding its footprint, while keeping to a “firm” budget, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association wrote in a filing. The American Cable Association, in a separate filing, emphasized the need for the FCC to be budget-minded and data-driven in determining the scope of the program, and where possible make efficient use of current infrastructure.