On April 9, 2013, the Federal Communications Commission released a Public Notice seeking public comment on E-rate requirements for "bundling devices, equipment and services that are ineligible for E-rate support with E-rate eligible services and products."
Specifically, the FCC is proposing that beginning for FY 2014:
Service providers may no longer offer bundled ineligible components as E-rate eligible even if they determine the bundled offering falls within the scope of the Gift Rule Clarification Order. E-rate applicants may seek E-rate funding for the eligible services portion of any bundled offering but must provide a cost allocation for any ineligible components including, but not limited to, telephone handsets, computers, cell phones, and other components.
The FCC is also seeking comment on whether they should further clarify their current standard for cost allocation to provide additional guidance concerning end-user equipment.
Initial comments are due on May 23, 2013, and reply comments will be due June 7, 2013. Comments may be filed electronically using the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/. The Federal Register Notice can be viewed here.
