The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has formally debarred Simon Goldbrener from participating in the federal schools and libraries universal service support mechanism, commonly known as the E-rate program, as well as all other federal universal service support mechanisms, for a period of three years.
According to the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, the debarment takes effect on the earlier of the date Mr. Goldbrener received the debarment notice or March 31, 2026, and will remain in place for three years.
Basis for the Debarment
The debarment stems from Mr. Goldbrener’s criminal conviction related to fraud involving the E-rate program. The FCC stated that on February 3, 2020, Mr. Goldbrener pleaded guilty to participating in a wire fraud conspiracy connected to the program.
According to the Enforcement Bureau, the conspiracy involved a scheme to obtain E-rate funds fraudulently, resulting in the award of more than $14 million to corporations that then paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mr. Goldbrener and his co-conspirators. The FCC stated that the scheme caused the disbursement of millions of dollars for services and equipment that were not provided.
The Commission determined that this criminal conduct constituted grounds for debarment under Section 54.8 of its rules, which governs suspension and debarment from federal universal service support mechanisms.
Prior Suspension and Debarment Process
The Enforcement Bureau previously suspended Mr. Goldbrener from the E-rate program and other universal service programs in April 2025, when it issued a notice of suspension and initiation of debarment proceedings. That suspension was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2025.
The FCC stated that Mr. Goldbrener was given the opportunity to oppose the suspension or the proposed debarment within the timeframe specified by the Commission’s rules. The agency reported that it received no opposition.
Following completion of the debarment process, the Enforcement Bureau issued a formal Notice of Debarment dated March 20, 2026, which was later published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2026.
Scope of the Debarment
During the three-year debarment period, Mr. Goldbrener is prohibited from participating in any activities associated with or related to the E-rate program or any other program funded by federal universal service support mechanisms. This includes receiving program funds or discounted services, as well as consulting with, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers regarding the E-rate program.
The FCC emphasized that its debarment rules are intended to protect the integrity of universal service programs and ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes, including supporting access to telecommunications and information services for schools and libraries.
Publication and Public Record
The full text of the Notice of Debarment is publicly available here and the Federal Register.
