Improve E-rate Application Drop-Down Menu, Say Telecom, Anchor Institution Allies
A drop-down menu option in the USF E-rate funding application labeled ISP service "has caused consistent confusion for applicants," as some without a tech background didn't realize they wouldn't receive support for network transport costs, the EducationSuperHighway commented in FCC…
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docket 13-184, posted Friday. ESH recommends eliminating that option from form 470 and replacing it with one that reads internet service (with or without transport). CenturyLink said even applicants' consultants have difficulty navigating the E-rate program. It recommends applicants specify whether they seek internet access or WAN connectivity, and suggests removing a requirement to specify circuit quantity for circuit-based services. "USTelecom members support any and all efforts to ensure that processes facilitate ease of compliance with the rules and are intuitive and easy to understand," the association said. It wants a new drop-down option so schools and libraries can include location addresses directly on the 470 so bidding providers save time. The State E-rate Coordinators' Alliance wants drop-down menu terms and phrases to match those used by E-rate, such as in its eligible services list, and asks that the form eliminate any excess boxes that could inadvertently lead to funding denials if they're not checked because instructions are unclear. Replies are due Nov. 15.