# FCC Removes Long Island Consultant from USF Programs

On October 20, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it removed Long Island-based consultant Richard Bernstein from Universal Service Fund (USF) programs following a conviction related to kickbacks in a scheme involving the E-Rate Program and a COVID-era connectivity program. The action is relevant to contractors, consultants, and other organizations serving these programs because it underscores the importance of program integrity in federally supported connectivity work.

- Contractors and consultants working with E-Rate or the affected COVID-era connectivity program should review applicable FCC program integrity requirements and their controls for identifying and preventing kickbacks.
- Organizations that use consultants or other intermediaries on USF-funded work may find it useful to review those relationships and relevant compliance procedures.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Education
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

### Sources
- [FCC Removes Convicted Fraudster from USF Programs | Federal Communications Commission](https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-removes-convicted-fraudster-usf-programs) - FCC