FCC Extends Delivery Deadline for Certain 2020/21 E-Rate Services

To provide relief to E-Rate program participants affected by this unprecedented national pandemic, the FCC will extend the service implementation deadline to September 30, 2023 for certain funding year 2020 and 2021 applicants with non-recurring service deadlines that expire on September 30, 2022. In providing this relief, the FCC seeks to prevent schools and libraries from losing their funding due to circumstances out of their control, alleviate administrative burdens, and assist schools and libraries by giving them additional time to receive the equipment and services they need to serve their students and patrons. Generally, the FCC's rules may be waived for good cause shown. Thus, the FCC has exercised its discretion to waive the rule where the particular facts made strict compliance inconsistent with the public interest. Program participants remain otherwise subject to audits and investigations to determine compliance with E-Rate program rules and requirements.