FCC Suspends Richard Bernstein From E-Rate Funding Pending Debarment
Published Date: 10/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Richard Bernstein is suspended from the E-Rate Program and all related universal service supports while the FCC starts a process to possibly ban him from these programs. Anyone working with him or planning to must act fast and can file a response by November 27, 2026. This move stops him from benefiting from these funds until the FCC decides what’s next.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Individual suspended from E‑Rate and universal supports
Richard Bernstein is suspended from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (the E-Rate Program) and from all universal service support mechanisms. The suspension was released on October 27, 2026, and suspended parties cannot continue to benefit from those mechanisms pending the debarment process.
Contracting partners may file an opposition
Anyone who has an existing contract with Richard Bernstein, or intends to contract with him to provide or receive services related to the schools and libraries support, may file an opposition request supported by documentation. Opposition requests must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the suspension letter or by November 27, 2026, whichever comes first.
FCC to decide opposition requests within 90 days
The Enforcement Bureau will decide on any opposition request within 90 days after submission. This gives parties who file an opposition a defined timeframe for a decision.
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Key Dates
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