FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PSC UPDATES STATE E-RATE PROGRAM
ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS
Lincoln, October 13, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service
Commission has issued an Order (NUSF-117 P.O.1)
extending the state E-Rate Special Construction
Matching Program (E-Rate program) and increasing the
state match for projects that participate in the Federal
Communications Commission’s (FCC), E-Rate Special
Construction Program.
“With today’s Order, libraries and schools in Nebraska
that participate in the federal E-Rate Special Construction
program, will now have the opportunity to install new
fiber to their facilities at no cost,” said Commission Chair
Dan Watermeier.
Established in May of 2020, through NUSF-117, the PSC
allocated $1 million dollars from the Nebraska Universal
Service Fund (NUSF) for the E-Rate Special Construction
Matching Fund Program to facilitate the build-out of
new fiber to Nebraska libraries and schools participating
in the FCC’s E-Rate Special Construction Program. The
state funding was initially allocated for four years and
was set to expire at the end of 2024.
The Order (NUSF-117 P.O.1) extends the life of the state
program for an indefinite period of time. It also, removes
a cap of 10 % match from the state allocation and will
instead match any remaining eligible new fiber
construction costs not already funded through the FCC’s
E-Rate Special Construction Program, not to exceed 100%
of eligible costs.
Commissioner Watermeier said, “We would encourage
these entities looking to build-out new fiber to their
facilities, to participate in both the federal and state
programs so they can maximize the funding available
and get connected.”
For more information about the NUSF-117 E-Rate
Special Construction Matching Program and
application process, please visit
<https://psc.nebraska.gov/telecommunications/Erate >.
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Contact:
Deb Collins- Communications & Media Mgr.
(402) 471-0226/ deb.collins@nebraska.gov
