On September 30, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released its proposed Eligible Services List (ESL) for FY2026 under the E-rate program, inviting public comment through October 15, 2025, with reply comments due by October 30, 2025.
What’s New for FY2026?
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau proposes several key changes to the ESL, aiming to clarify and streamline how software and remote configuration services are categorized and funded:
- Unified Treatment of Software-Based Services: The Bureau proposes that all eligible software and remote-based services, including bug fixes, security patches, software-based technical assistance, and remote configuration change, be requested together with the internal connections equipment they support. This change is intended to eliminate confusion and reduce the risk of competitive bidding violations for applicants.
- Clarification on Maintenance Categories: The draft ESL revises the distinction between Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (BMIC) and Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS). Configuration changes performed remotely will be treated differently from those performed in person, and multi-year software licenses for internal connections can be requested in the first year along with associated equipment.
- Changes to Eligible Services: The proposed list amends entries for “Eligible Broadband Internal Connections” to include software-based services and modifies the eligibility limitations for basic maintenance, removing references to bug fixes, security patches, and technical support from BMIC.
Additionally, the Bureau seeks input on the benefits and cost savings associated with MIBS, and whether further clarification is needed to distinguish these services from BMIC. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide data and examples to inform the final ESL.
How to Comment
Interested parties can submit comments referencing WC Docket No. 13-184 via the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/ or by paper filing. The FCC also provides accessible formats upon request for people with disabilities.
The FY2026 draft Eligible Services List (ESL) can be viewed here.
