On September 28, 2010, the FCC released a Sixth Report and Order revising its rules for disbursements from the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund (commonly referred to as the “e-rate” program). The Universal Service Fund administrator, USAC, recently posted questions it has received in training sessions discussing the new rules. In all, it forwarded 38 questions raised in the sessions, which are available here. The questions primarily address how to apply the new dark fiber reimbursement rules and the rules prohibiting e-rate recipients from receiving gifts from service providers.

There is no word yet whether the FCC plans to put the questions out for comment.

12/15 UPDATE: Several parties have submitted similar requests for clarification, primarily of the gift rules. These letters make it more likely that the FCC will seek comment on the issue soon.

E-rate Management Professionals Association letter

Patton Boggs letter

State E-rate Coordinators Alliance letter

USAC Posts Questions on Implementation of New E-Rate Rules