E-Rate Broadband News Flash 24-08
Issue 24-08
October 2024
Table of Contents
Programs and Funding Opportunities
Conferences and Meetings
Announcements
Digital Citizenship Week 2024
The California Department of Education is pleased to announce a curated and created selection of resources for Digital Citizenship Week 2024 taking place October 14-18! Please check out the following to incorporate into your schools:
California Public Utilities Commission Webinar about the CA Teleconnect Fund
On October 8, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, held a free webinar on the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF). CTF provides eligible organizations with discounted rates on select telecommunications and broadband services.
CPUC staff provided a demonstration of the updated electronic Claim and Application Portal (eCAP) system and how eligible schools and libraries can link their annexes to existing CTF eCAP accounts.
CPUC covered the following topics: CTF’s role in schools and libraries, annex criteria and eligibility, importance of school and library annexes, technologies covered by the CTF, application processes, submission, timelines, and an eCAP demonstration.
E-Rate Funding Year 2025 Application Cycle Announcements
We recommend using October to start planning your annual E-Rate application activities. Applications are typically due in March and are filed in the E-Rate Productivity Center.
E-Rate Expanding Funding Outside of School in 2025
The E-Rate program is expanding to support connecting students to broadband outside of school. K12HSN recently discussed the newly eligible services and other program updates in its webinar Learn about the Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Program and other E-Rate Updates.
FCC Form 470 Available in the E-Rate Productivity Center to Kick Off Competitive Bidding
All E-Rate funded services are subject to competitive bidding requirements which include filing of the FCC Form 470 in the E-Rate Productivity Center. Learn more about how California state requirements work in tandem with E-Rate program requirements in K12HSN’s webinar Start your FCC Form 470 and Competitive Bidding Process on October 23. The team will review scenarios and discuss best practices.
National School Lunch Program Administrative Window will Open October 15
Annually, school districts must report data on student enrollment and eligibility for the National School Lunch Program in the E-Rate Productivity Center. This data determines the annual level of funding, called discounts, calculated on the E-Rate application. The California Department of Education’s website outlines acceptable sources of data. K12HSN’s team will describe how to report annual data in its Update your Discount and Category 2 Budget in USAC's Portal webinar on October 30.
Update on Recent Challenges to the Universal Service Fund
Over the past few years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has faced multiple federal court challenges against its administration of the Universal Service Fund. USF is the source of E-Rate program funding as well as other programs to connect Americans to affordable broadband services.
Recently, the federal Fifth Circuit Court determined that some aspects of the FCC’s administration of the Universal Service Fund were unconstitutional which will likely lead to an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Simultaneously, members of Congress have initiated a Universal Service Fund Working Group to examine the effectiveness and sustainability of the Universal Service Fund.
The Schools, Health & Libraries Coalition (SHLB) recently held two webinars where legal experts discussed the possible impact of the court’s decision and the future of Universal Service: Decoding the 5th Circuit’s Decision on the USF and Universal Service Reform After the Fifth Circuit Consumers' Research Decision.
We are watching these proceedings very closely and will report future updates in the News Flash.
Be Cautious of Phishing Email Cyberattacks
The CDE has been made aware of recent spear phishing email cyberattacks targeting personnel at LEAs. Spear phishing emails are customized messages sent to specific individuals that appear to come from a trusted source, such as the CDE. These emails are sent by malicious actors who want to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, bank accounts, or personal data. These emails may contain links to fake websites that look like the CDE official site, or attachments that contain malware that can infect your computer or network. Please be aware that all emails from the CDE will have the domain @cde.ca.gov, and the primary CDE public website has a web address of www.cde.ca.gov.
We Want Your Voice
The Educational Technology team at CDE that supports Digital Equity and Broadband is asking for your input meant to glean insights about digital equity from you to support your needs!
Important Dates and Deadlines
Keeping up with deadlines of various funding programs to not lose out on possible funds!
FY2023/24 E-Rate Reimbursement Deadline for Recurring Costs | October 28, 2024 |
First FCC Form 486 Deadline for FY2024/25 | October 28, 2024 |
FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Application Deadline | November 1, 2024 |
Programs and Funding Opportunities
Cybersecurity Grants and Funding Opportunities
FCC Three-Year Cybersecurity Pilot Program - Applications are due November 1, 2024
Starting September 17-November 1, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will accept applications for a three-year $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program. Review the application guide for more details and subscribe to the Universal Service Administrative Company’s Pilot Program e-mail list for program updates! USAC will be hosting multiple webinars to assist applicants with understanding the application process and program requirements.
Digital Equity Grants and Funding Opportunities
State Digital Equity Capacity Grant
On August 26, the California Department of Technology (CDT) held its second Stakeholder briefing which outlined upcoming dates and more specifics about the structure of the grant and will hold its third briefing on September 30. There will be an opportunity this fall for the public to provide further input. Sign up to receive important updates!
E-Rate Hot-Spot Funding
To promote digital equity and help schools close the Homework Gap, the FCC has authorized use of E-Rate funding to support Wi-Fi on school buses and Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs starting July of 2025. USAC held an introductory webinar last month to review program funding formulas and requirements. To learn more, sign up for the USAC E-Rate News Brief to receive timely updates on these funding opportunities!
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Adoption Account Grants - Applications are due January 1, 2025
The California Public Utilities Commission will be awarding another round of grants soon for publicly available or after-school broadband access and digital inclusion, such as grants for digital literacy training programs and public education to communities with limited broadband adoption. Visit the CPUC’s website for more information.
California Public Utilities Commission Broadband Internet Caseworkers
Could you benefit from additional support about broadband strategies and funding opportunities? Leverage the CPUC Caseworkers who provide seminars and expertise about grants, project planning, data and mapping, business models, and regulations. Request a meeting for help navigating the complex landscape of strategies and funding for developing affordable high-speed internet for everyone.
BIG Grant Helps Bring Fiber Broadband Connectivity to Unserved Schools
The Broadband Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program provides fiber broadband connectivity to California’s most poorly connected schools to promote digital learning opportunities. The grant supports the build out, project management, and implementation of high-speed broadband for schools lacking fiber broadband connectivity. For more information, please visit CENIC’s BIG Program website and complete the simple application form!
Conferences and Meetings
Attend Upcoming Conferences to Network with Likeminded Technology-Focused Colleagues
K-12 Project Management Academy - November 12, and December 10
The San Diego COE is hosting a project management program to help IT staff learn how to plan, execute, and close projects. The three-day course will be held online.
CITE Annual Conference – November 18-21
California IT in Education (CITE) annual conference is in San Diego, CA at the with Expo Hall Events, with pre-conference activities beginning on November 18. The CITE Conference offers over 200 breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and access to over 250 vendors in the education space to learn and connect with those who serve in similar roles in IT in education.
Events and Meetings
Middle-Mile Advisory Council Meeting – October 18
California Broadband Council Meeting - October 22
In case you missed it, links to recordings of recent events:
- State Digital Equity Plan & Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Meeting – August 26
- USAC Wi-Fi Hotspot Eligibility Webinar – August 15
Bright Spots
Please share any bright spots from your department, division, outreach, etc. Pictures welcome!
E-Rate Process: Be Prepared! Activities to Work on Now
Finalize Receipt of FY 2023/24 E-Rate Reimbursements or Request Extension
October 28 is the deadline to request reimbursement for most Category 1 broadband service funding requests for the FY 2023/24 cycle. Review the status of your organization’s reimbursements using the E-Rate FRN Invoice Deadline Tool and also reviewing your service provider billings for posted E-Rate credits. If more time is needed to reconcile and process your reimbursements, make sure to request an invoice deadline extension by October 28! This will allow for an additional 120 days to finalize your receipt of E-Rate funds.
Plan Competitive Bidding Process and Timeline
Most school organizations map out their E-Rate competitive bidding timelines in the Fall to allow for enough time to meet the minimum 28-day competitive bidding window, review and score bids, secure necessary Board approvals, and negotiate and execute contracts. A best practice is to map out your timeline based on your 2025 winter School Board’s meeting dates and a March 2025 application deadline. Make sure to carefully review your existing broadband contracts. If they expire at any point between June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2026, competitive bidding will be required in order to apply for E-Rate funding in the FY 2025/26 cycle.
E-Rate Training and Assistance
K12 High Speed Network E-Rate Support Resources for California Applicants
K12HSN’s E-Rate Support Team is available to assist schools with questions at any time regarding E-Rate program requirements and deadlines. Schools may reach out to the team via e-mail to request support by contacting eratequestions@lists.k12hsn.org. Sign up for our Fall webinar series by selecting topics below. Sessions are on Wednesdays, starting at 11:00 a.m.
October 23: Start your FCC Form 470 and Competitive Bidding Process
October 30: Update your Discount and Category 2 Budget in USAC's Portal
December 4: Prepare for the E-Rate Application Window and Review USAC's Data Tools
Universal Service Administrative Company Resources
E-Rate Resources
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has pre-recorded webinars and other materials available on the USAC website. Please subscribe to USAC’s Schools and Libraries News Brief to receive the most current program information and announcements. Below are webinars scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 11:00 a.m.
October 15: Wi-Fi Hotspot Webinar
October 17: Category Two Budgets
October 24: EPC Administrative Window
October 31: Post-Commitment Process
November 7: Invoicing
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions to K12HSN via email info@k12hsn.org.