Potential Funding and Channels for Emergency Broadband Deployments

Potential Funding and Channels for Emergency Broadband deployments:

Note, potential resources and requirements are in flux. Applicability of programs depend upon specifics of the project.

Federal Coronavirus Economic Response

FCC

• Possible regulatory waivers and collaboration with telecommunication providers
  • E-Rate Gift rule
  • Schools and Libraries outside venue access
• Current limitation by law:
  • Statutory language needed to allow e-rate funded schools and libraries broadband to be extended to (unserved) homes and for use as backhaul connection
• CARES Telehealth Funding: $200 Million for broadband connectivity and devices

DHS

• FEMA (Existing Disaster Response Structure)

USDA: Rural Development

• Community Facility Program (Has funded a COW)
• CARES Additional Funding for Broadband Programs related to COVID-19
  • ReConnect: $100 million
  • Distance Learning Telemedicine (DLT) Program: $25 Million

EDA

• CARES $1.5 Billion Grants

Treasury

• https://home.treasury.gov/cares

US D Ed

• $30.75 billion under CARES and hardware, software, connectivity are eligible expenses

IMLS: Institute of Museum and Library Services:

• $50 million for immediate support to communities for digital inclusion and capacity building.

California - State Coronavirus Emergency Response for Distance Learning Broadband Communications

California Department of Technology – Leads team

• California Broadband Council
• CETF
• CPUC
• Broadband Consortiums
• California Department of Education – link to public schools
• Office of Emergency Services (OES)

Private Sector / NGO / Universities

Technology Companies

• Google [source]
  • Donates 4000 Chromebooks
  • 100,000 Wi-Fi access points for rural households
  • 3 months free internet
• Joint Venture Silicon Valley
• Chico State Geographical Information Center (GIC)
• University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)
• Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC)