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John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

Record-Breaking E-rate Demand: Schools and Libraries Send a Clear Message in FY2026

The FY2026 E-rate filing window closed last night, and the numbers are in: schools and libraries across the country requested a combined $3.51 billion in E-rate support — the highest...

FY2026 E-rate Funding Cap: $5.2 Billion

On March 25, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the E-rate program funding cap for FY2026 will be $5.2 billion. This amount represents a 2.8% inflation-adjusted increase from...

by Funds For Learning

E-rate FY2026 PIA Form 471 Procedures Approved

On March 30, 2026, the FCC Wireline Competition Bureau notified USAC that their E-rate FY2026 Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) Review Procedures have been approved. The letter noted, “…the Wireline Competition...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

What Comes Next: Translating K–12 Cybersecurity Demand Into Permanent E-rate Policy

The data is now clear. The pilot has run. The demand has been measured. The question facing policymakers is straightforward:Will cybersecurity become a permanent part of E-rate — or remain...

by Funds For Learning

FCC Debars Simon Goldbrener From E-rate and All Universal Service Programs

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...

by Funds For Learning

USAC Begins Search for New Chief Executive Officer

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has begun a search for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead administration of the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Fund, including the E‑rate...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

Who Owns This?

There’s a moment in a lot of meetings that looks like progress. The discussion wraps up.There’s general agreement.Heads nod.The group moves on. And then… nothing happens. No follow-through.No movement.No real...

John Harrington, CEMP

by John Harrington

The Numbers Behind K–12 Cybersecurity: What E-rate Data Reveals About an Unfunded Gap

Funds For Learning’s 2026 cybersecurity report brings together eight years of survey data, federal pilot program filings, and six years of E-rate firewall funding records into a single, consistent finding:...