On May 15, 2026, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the Commission has sent three Letters of Inquiry to educational institutions in Minnesota as part of an investigation into potential misuse of E-Rate program funding. The Letters are described as a first step in gathering information about suspected wrongdoing, and the inquiry is part of the FCC’s broader effort to investigate potential fraud, waste, and abuse in Universal Service Fund (USF) programs.
The E-Rate program provides discounts that help schools and libraries afford telecommunications services, internet access, and Wi-Fi connectivity. According to the FCC, the program has supported more than 132,000 schools and libraries across the country.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Chairman Carr said the Commission is focused on ensuring E-Rate funds are used for their intended purposes and on holding accountable those who target the program for personal gain. The announcement also referenced recent FCC enforcement activity, including updates to the agency’s suspension and debarment rules that are intended to strengthen oversight.
Source: FCC News Release, May 15, 2026
