Per the FCC Modernization Order, each school receives a Category 2 (C2) budget that may be used to provide broadband connectivity within the school. The FCC rules state that the C2 budgets are for 5-years, based on the first year that any school in the district was committed C2 funding. However, there is also language in the Order indicating that C2 funding is only available through FY2019, after which it will sunset unless the FCC takes action.
Because of this, I strongly encourage all schools to consider their internal connections needs and utilize their C2 E-Rate budgets in Funding Year 2019, should the program in its current form not be extended. The only thing we know for certain today is, if you received C2 funding in FY2015, any remaining funds must be utilized in the upcoming 2019 funding year.
I am closely monitoring information received from the FCC, indicating their decision regarding the continuance of the Category 2 funding, and will provide updates as information is received.
If your staff would like to learn more about E-Rate, I will be conducting both face-to-face and webinar training sessions. For a list of dates/locations, go to my website at www.ohio-k12.help/erate, and click on the “Events” tab located in the table at the bottom of the page.
If you have questions, or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Lorrie Germann
State E-Rate Coordinator
On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education
lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov