Short of fixing E-rate itself, the FCC has done its utmost to encourage others to fund equipment and services to support remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier efforts include:
- The “Keep Americans Connected Pledge” urging broadband and telephone providers to: (a) not terminate residential service; (b) waive late fees; and (c) open Wi-Fi hotspots for those in need (see our newsletters of March 23rd and May 4th).
- Waiver of the E-rate gift rules, recently extended through December 31st, to permit vendors to offer free or reduced-price broadband services and equipment (see discussion in last Friday's USAC News Brief referenced below).
- Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education to promote the use of up to $16 billion in CARES Act state funding for remote learning (see FCC/DOE joint announcement).
Last week the FCC issued a news release citing the launch of the “K-12 Bridge to Broadband” initiative undertaken by the cable industry and EducationSuperHighway to identify and fill the connectivity gaps of K-12 students in low-income family homes nationwide. Cable industry participation is being coordinated by NCTA – The Internet & Television Association. The new cable program reflects the following core principles:
- Creating “sponsored” service offerings for school districts and other entities.
- Working together with school districts to identify students needing service.
- Standardizing a baseline set of student eligibility standards.
- Minimizing the amount of information needed to sign up families and facilitate enrollment.
- Protecting the privacy of the families covered by the program.