The FCC approved the waiver requests of several E-Rate program participants who filed late invoicing reports to the Universal Service Administrative Corporation (USAC) after relying on incorrect deadlines and guidance found within USAC’s filing system. The FCC waived section 54.514(a) of its rules and remand the requests for further action, finding that the participants’ reasonable reliance on misinformation from USAC’s system or data tools demonstrated extraordinary circumstances to warrant waiver. The FCC notes, however, that waiver in these instances should be granted in very limited circumstances, as participants are expected to be familiar with applicable regulations to ensure full compliance with E-Rate program rules, including the invoice filing deadlines.
