FCC Unanimously Approves Emergency Assistance To Restore Connectivity In Hurricane-Affected Schools And Libraries

The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously approved emergency assistance to restore connectivity in schools and libraries affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria through the agency’s E-rate program.

Schools and libraries directly impacted by the storms will be able to request additional funding for restoration of broadband services, and receive the maximum E-rate discount on services — a 90% discount for broadband connectivity and an 85% discount for Wi-Fi and internal networks. They will also be provided increased program flexibility as they work to restore services. Schools that are serving storm-displaced students who increase total enrollment by 5% or more may also apply for additional funding to defray increased costs.

The FCC also enacted measures to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse during the recovery effort. The emergency rules will not apply to future E-rate funding years absent further action by the FCC.