On September 21st the FCC issued their first "official" detailed response for those E-rate applicants and service providers affected by Hurricane Katrina. The FCC has decided to waive "….procedural rules relating to the Universal Service Fund ("USF") on an emergency interim basis, as explained below. State commissions, carriers, and program beneficiaries in the affected areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama may postpone filing the following USF forms, payments and data for a period of up to one hundred and fifty (150) days."
- Schools and libraries program beneficiaries:
- Appeals of schools and libraries denials to the Universal Service Administrative Company.
- Appeals of schools and libraries denials to the Commission.
- Responses to information requests from the Universal Service Administrative Company relating to schools and libraries program applications.
- FCC Forms 472, 474, 486, and 500.
- Requests for extension of service delivery deadlines.
- Requests for service substitutions.
- Requests for service provider changes.
- Notifications to the Universal Service Administrative Company of transfers of eligible service or equipment due to the temporary or permanent closure of a school or library.
- Filings related to actions seeking recovery of funds disbursed in violation of specific statutory provisions and Commission rules.
Further information can be viewed at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-2484A1.doc
