E-Rate Support for Remote Learning During the Pandemic - Your Comments

Please share your thoughts, opinions and examples

The FCC is seeking comments regarding using the E-Rate program to provide support for remote learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please answer the following short survey and provide as many examples as possible. The Commission needs to hear from the schools and libraries who have "boots on the ground" in educating and providing access to information services during the pandemic.

For reference see FCC's request for comments on remote learning - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-98A1.pdf

Question Title

* 1. Should the FCC permit off- campus use of E-Rate supported services by schools and libraries during the pandemic?

Yes

Comment/Explain:

Question Title

* 2. Should the FCC open a special E-Rate filing window for schools and libraries to request E-rate support for remote learning support in FY2020 or FY2021?

Yes

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. If a special filing window is provided, should the funding be used for:

E-Rate FY2020 - provide reimbursement for remote learning expenses incurred from March 2020 to June 30, 2021

E-Rate FY2021 - provide support for new services for remote learning from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

Both funding years

Comment/Explain:

Question Title

* 4. Rank the following remote learning equipment and services in order of your greatest need for E-rate support.

Question Title

* 5. If you have recent experience with these services and costs please provide specific information about the services you are purchasing and the costs you are paying

Internet Access:

Wireless hot spot devices:

Chromebooks or similar:

Fixed or mobile wireless towers:

Modem or router at the home:

Internet on buses:

Other:

Question Title

* 6. What has your school or library done to ensure the services are sufficient and the costs are reasonable? (check all that apply)

conducted competitive bidding

requested 2 quotes

purchased from state contract

accepted free or deeply discounted services

required board approval

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 7. What should the FCC do to protect limited E-Rate funds from waste, fraud and abuse (check all that apply)

The FCC should audit remote learning funding in the same manner as regular E-Rate funding

The FCC should impose existing E-Rate record-keeping requirements (10 years) for the remote learning funding

The FCC should increase the non-discount share required if competitive bidding is waived

Payment of the non-discount share is sufficient incentive to prevent wasteful spending

Other

Question Title

* 8. How should limited funding be prioritized? (check all that apply)

Prioritize based on current E-Rate discount matrix

Rural schools and libraries receive priority over urban

Rural remote areas receive priority over rural areas

Appointed panel reviews applications and awards funding based on merit

Applications submitted are funded in order received

Other Recommendations

Question Title

* 9. How can the FCC ensure that E-Rate funds are not used to pay for services and equipment that were reimbursed with other federal funding e.g. CARES Act?

Self-certification that the school or library did not or will not receive duplicate support

Prior to authorizing disbursements, require documentation to prove that other funds were not received for the same services

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 10. Please share your experience in connecting remote learners or patrons during the pandemic including lessons learned and best practices that will be helpful for the FCC as they decide how best to support your efforts.

Question Title

* 11. Is your organization:

School District

Single site school

Library System

Single site library

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 12. Please provide your contact information

Name

Organization

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Email Address

Phone Number