FCC seeks comment on the use of E-Rate funds for security services
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment regarding a requested use of E-Rate program funds to support advanced or next-generation firewalls and services, as well as other network security services. The commissions is seeking comment on these five areas: the definition of next-generation firewalls and services; the specific equipment, services to be used and costs affiliated with next-generation firewalls; how these firewall services should be categorized under the E-rate program; any measures to ensure cost-effective choices when applicants purchase advanced firewalls; and the FCC’s legal authority to extend coverage of these services in the E-rate program. Interested parties may file comments on or before February 13, 2023, and reply comments on or before March 30, 2023. Comments should refer to WC Docket No. 13-184. Comments and replies may be filed electronically on the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System at http://www.fcc.gov/ecfs.
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