Telecom Alert: Cybersecurity Labeling Program NPRM; Tribal E-Rate Pleading Cycle; Over $370 Million in Cybersecurity Funding; ECF Funding [Vol. XX, Issue 33]

Cybersecurity Labeling Program Rules Released

Last week, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on rules creating a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program that would provide consumers with clear information about the security of the Internet-enabled devices (Vol. XX, Issue 30).  If adopted, the program would allow consumers to easily identify smart devices and products that meet widely accepted security and privacy standards by looking for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Logo.  The Commission seeks comment on issues including the scope of devices that should be eligible, who should oversee and manage the program, and how to develop the security standards, among others.  For more information, please contact Tracy Marshall (marshall@khlaw.com; 202.434.4234).

Tribal E-Rate NPRM Pleading Cycle

The FCC's Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking to enhance Tribal communities’ access to the E-Rate program was published in the Federal Register last week (Vol. XX, Issue 28).  The Report and Order would modify the program’s rules to allow certain Tribal college and university libraries to apply for and receive E-Rate support.  It also clarifies several definitions and would add a Tribal community representative on the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) Board of Directors.  Comments and reply comments are due by September 25 and October 25, respectively.  For more information, please contact Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 202.434.4193).

Over $370 Million in Cybersecurity Funding

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced the availability of $374.9 million in grant funding for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (“SLCGP” or the “Program”) for Fiscal Year 2023.  The Program, administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), is specifically for state, local, and territorial governments across the country to help them strengthen their cyber resilience.  State and local governments have until October 6th to apply for this grant opportunity.  For more information, please contact Tracy Marshall (marshall@khlaw.com; 202.434.4234).

ECF Funding

The FCC announced that it is committing $46.3 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (the “Program”).  The commitment will support applications from the third application window and will support approximately 125,000 students in states including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington.  To date, the Program has provided support to roughly 11,100 schools, 1,050 libraries, and 120 consortia.  For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186).

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