E-Rate News Flash 24-06

Issue 24-06 

August 2024    

K-12 Broadband News Flash Back to School Edition

Table of Contents 

• Announcements 
• Important Dates and Deadlines 
• Programs and Funding Opportunities  
• Conferences and Meetings  
• Bright Spots  
• E-Rate Process: Activities to Work on Now 
• E-Rate Training and Assistance 
• Contact 

Announcements 

The BEAD Challenge Process is Open! 

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has opened a challenge process from July 8-August 6, 2024 to accurately identify internet service levels for locations around California. This will help inform the CPUC in allocating Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding for areas unserved or underserved by internet service providers. School districts are eligible to participate in the challenge process and to review recent webinars with important information.   

USAC Recommends Submitting for All Final ECF Reimbursements by August 29 

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is contacting organizations with Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) funding requests to recommend all reimbursements be submitted in the ECF portal by the August 29, 2024 deadline, even if those requests have pending post-commitment changes and/or appeals. Review this new guidance to accelerate your organization’s reimbursement requests 

Congress Looks to Reinstate Affordable Connectivity Program 

The Senate Commerce Committee voted to add $7 billion to the pending PLAN for Broadband Act to support the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a Federal program meant to provide subsidies allowing low-income consumers access to no cost or low-cost Internet access, but suspended earlier this year. The California Department of Technology partnered with EveryoneOn and the California Emerging Technology Fund to provide an Affordable Service Program look-up tool to help connect consumers find affordable Internet and device offerings.  

Update on Challenges to Constitutionality of Universal Service Programs 

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of appeals ruled the Universal Service Fund (USF), source of E-Rate program funds, as unconstitutional. Because this ruling contradicts earlier decisions by the Sixth and Eleventh circuit courts, it is likely the Supreme Court will weigh in. While the Fifth circuit disagreed with how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) administers the USF, its decision allows the FCC leeway to make modifications to the program and allow for it to continue to operate indefinitely, meaning no immediate changes to the E-Rate program. 

FCC Requests Comment on Annual E-Rate Eligible Services List 

The Federal Communications Commission has issued the draft E-Rate Eligible Services List for Funding Year (FY) 2025-26. Stakeholders have until August 30 to submit initial comments and September 16 to submit reply comments. Submit your comments in the Electronic Comment Filing System, citing proceeding number 13-184. 

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!  

Programs and Funding Opportunities 

Cybersecurity Grants and Funding Opportunities 

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program 

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) Branch, is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant – Local and Tribal. The purpose of the grant is to assist local governments, including school districts, in addressing cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems, and improve security of critical infrastructure and resilience of the services these entities provide to their communities. For more information, view the grant website. Applications are due September 27, 2024. 

FCC Three-Year Cybersecurity Pilot Program 

This Fall, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will initiate the application process 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! 

Digital Equity Grants and Funding Opportunities 

National Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program 

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently announced the availability of nearly $1 billion to fund programs that ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital world. School districts are eligible to apply for this funding. NTIA has numerous webinars scheduled for August and September; register at this website to learn more about the grant application process and best practices for submitting high quality grants. 

State Digital Equity Capacity Grant 

On July 30, the California Department of Technology (CDT) held a Stakeholder briefing which outlined upcoming dates and opportunities to participate in the grant design process. 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.  To learn more, register for USAC’s Wi-Fi Hotspot Eligibility Webinar to be held on August 15 at 11:00 am PT.  Sign up for the USAC E-Rate News Brief to receive timely updates on these funding opportunities! 

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 

SHLB AnchorNETS – October 2-4 

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) will be holding its annual AnchorNETS conference in Crystal City, VA. This year's conference will have a special focus on the wide variety of federal broadband funding opportunities, including the BEAD Programs, Emergency Connectivity Fund, the Treasury Department Capital Projects Fund, as well as E-Rate, Rural Health Care, and digital equity programs. 

Fall CUE Conference – October 5-6 

Discover the future of educational technology at the Fall CUE conference Crossing the Digital Divide: Bridging Education with Technology in Sacramento, CA . Experience sessions on integrating technology into curriculum, digital literacy and citizenship, artificial intelligence's role in education, data privacy and security in schools, innovative learning environments, game-based learning, and more! 

K-12 Project Management Academy - October 8, 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 

K12HSN Quarterly Advisory Board Meeting – August 21 

California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Quarterly Meeting – September 9 

In case you missed it, links to recordings of recent events: 

• Middle Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) – July 19   
• California Broadband Council (CBC) – July 23 
• FCC Webinar on Cybersecurity Pilot Program – July 23  
• SDEP Implementation and DE Capacity Grant Program Stakeholder Engagement Briefing – July 30 

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 

Install Internal Broadband Connections or Request Extension by September 30  

The E-Rate program has specific deadlines by which on-campus Category 2 equipment must be installed. The service delivery deadline for each funding request number (FRN) may be identified in the E-Rate Productivity Center or in USAC’s Open Data E-Rate FRN Invoice Deadline Tool. The general deadline to install equipment for the FY 2023/24 cycle is September 30, 2024. If you need more time to install equipment, you may file an FCC Form 500 to request a one-year extension. This extension must be requested on or before September 30, 2024. If in doubt about your project’s status, it’s best to request an extension! 

Verify Category 1 Broadband Discounts are Posted to Invoices 

Once you have received your organization’s Funding Commitment Decision Letter from USAC for FY 2024/25, it’s important to communicate with your broadband service provider about receiving E-Rate discounts on your broadband invoices. Equally important is verifying that the discounts are posted on your invoices in a timely manner. For best practices, view the K12HSN’s E-Rate Team reviews Best Practices for Receiving Timely E-Rate Reimbursements recording, using passcode 3U!DWJpA.   

E-Rate Training and Assistance 

K12 High Speed Network E-Rate Support Resources 

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. The team’s webinars and office hours are recorded and posted on K12HSN’s E-Rate training website.  The team will be holding webinars in the upcoming months to help K-12 schools maximize their E-Rate funding opportunities. See our next News Flash for the Fall schedule! 

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. Select the topic links below to register for upcoming events: 

• Wi-Fi Hotspot Eligibility Webinar August 15, 11:00 am PT 
• Open Data Overview August 27, 11:00 am PT 
• Open Data Training: Creating Reports and Visualizations August 29, 11:00 am PT 

Registration Open for 2024 Regional In-Person Training Events 

USAC is holding in-person training sessions in various regions of the country covering program processes and updates for Funding Year 2025. All E-Rate program participants are welcome including applicants, service providers, and consultants of all experience levels. Visit USAC’s website for Registration links.  

• E-Rate Training: September 17, 2024, Dallas, TX  
• E-Rate Training: October 7, 2024, Washington, DC  
• E-Rate Training: October 29, 2024, Fayetteville, AR  
• Tribal-Focused E-Rate Training: November 12, 2024, Palm Springs, CA 

Contact 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions to K12HSN via email info@k12hsn.org. 

Respectfully,

California Department of Education

Digital Equity Team

digitalequity@cde.ca.gov