Federal agencies took several actions last week to spur broadband deployment, helping to alleviate what the pandemic has already highlighted – Americans need greater access to reliable, high-speed Internet services to continue to engage in the virtual activities, such as telehealth and distancing learning, that have now become a normal part of our daily lives.
- First, the Federal Communications Commission
("FCC") adopted an Order providing additional guidance on its
Connected Care Pilot Program ("Pilot Program"). As
we previously reported, the Pilot Program will make
available $100 million in funding over three years to help defray
eligible health care providers' costs of providing connected
care services (e.g., remote patient monitoring, patient
health education, "store-and-forward" services, and video
consultations and visits). Since the FCC opened its application portal in November
2020, it has received more than 200 applications for funding from
health care providers, of which 50 applications requesting
approximately $57.8 million in funding have been selected. These projects will serve patients in 30 states plus
Washington, D.C. The FCC's Order provides guidance for
selected participants on the eligible services they may offer, the
competitive bidding process they must use to select the most
cost-effective option for eligible services and equipment, and
reimbursement and reporting requirements.
- Second, FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica
Rosenworcel announced that, beginning
on June 29, 2021, schools and libraries may
begin to file applications for funding under the FCC's newly
established $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund to purchase
laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband
connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and
library patrons. The application window will close
on August 13, 2021, and funds may be used to
purchase eligible equipment and services for the 2021-22 school
year. The FCC will host a virtual
webinar on June 25, 2021 to
provide more information on the fund, including applicant
eligibility, supported equipment and services, reasonable support
amounts, and the application and invoicing processes.
- Finally, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ("NTIA") released final rules for its Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, which will provide $268 million in grants to eligible historically Black Colleges or Universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and minority-serving institutions. Funding may be used by eligible entities to purchase broadband service or equipment, hire IT personnel to facilitate educational instruction (including remote learning), and lend or provide equipment to eligible students or patrons. Requirements for grant applications and other information about the program will be included in a Notice of Funding Opportunity that will be subsequently published by NTIA. NTIA will also conduct a series of webinars to further inform the public about the program, the next of which will be held on June 23 and 24, 2021.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.