Issue 24-05

July 2024   

K-12 Broadband News Flash

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

Last Chance to Participate in Annual E-Rate Survey

The annual E-Rate survey will be closing soon. This is your opportunity to provide your opinions and experiences about the E-Rate program and application process.  Please take a few minutes and complete the 2024 survey to ensure your voice is heard by policymakers!  

Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Ended June 30

Any K12 school organizations with open funding requests must have received their final broadband services and take-home devices by June 30. The last date to request reimbursement for most funding requests is August 29, 2024. During your close-out process, make sure to review program requirements for tracking of equipment and services and submission requirements for reimbursements. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has conducted multiple office hour webinars for ECF. The Federal Communications Commission’s Frequently Asked Questions website is also a tremendous resource.

The BEAD Challenge Process is Open!

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has opened a challenge process to accurately identify internet service levels for locations around the state of 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! Visit the CPUC’s website for further information on how to register to participate in the challenge process and to review recent webinars with important information. The initial Challenge Process is from July 8, 2024 through August 6, 2024, so act soon! 

CPUC Rejected AT&T’s Request to Withdraw as Carrier of Last Resort

After hearing from consumers across California, the CPUC issued a proposal rejecting AT&T’s request to withdraw as a carrier of last resort. The Commission voted to finalize its decision at its June 20 meeting. 

We Want Your Voice

The Digital Equity Broadband team at CDE is asking for your input on a feedback form meant to glean insights about digital equity from you. Please take a few minutes to complete the form to the best of your ability so that we can better format our program to support your needs!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Keeping up with deadlines of various funding programs to not lose out on possible funds! 

Emergency Connectivity Fund

Last Date to File for Reimbursement                                                             August 29, 2024

Programs and Funding Opportunities

FCC Approves Three-Year Cybersecurity Pilot Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently approved a three-year $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program for schools and libraries. Interested school organizations can apply to participate in the Pilot Program through a two-part process. The FCC expects to initiate this process by opening a Pilot Program application window this Fall. For program updates, subscribe to the Universal Service Administrative Company’s Pilot Program e-mail list.

Lending of Wi-Fi Hotspots to be Eligible for E-Rate Funding

With the end of the Emergency Connectivity Fund, the FCC is looking at ways to sustain lending of Wi-Fi hotspots to enable students’ access to educational opportunities via the Internet while away from school. To that end, this month, the FCC authorized the use of E-Rate funding to support lending of commercially available Wi-Fi hotspots and services. Look for more information in our next News Flash!

Digital Equity Act Grants are Coming Soon!

Details on two federal Digital Equity Grant Programs will be announced in the coming months. On May 23, 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! A tentative timeline, published by the CDT, is in the infographic below.

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

Bringing Computer Science into K-12 Education – July 30-31

Step into the future of education with a 2-day workshop designed specifically for educators passionate about enriching their Computer Science curriculum. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of key computer science concepts and introduce you to the latest advancements in the field, including artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

Events and Meetings

Middle Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) – July 19

MMAC’s Information and Remote Meeting Access.

California Broadband Council (CBC) – July 23

In-Person Location: California Environmental Protection Agency, Byron Sher Auditorium, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. CBC’s Information and Remote Meeting Access.

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

• Introduction to the Model BEAD Challenge Process – April 24
• BEAD Challenge Portal Pre-Registration, Tier D/E CostQuest Licenses, and Portal Overview – May 8
• Key Differences between the BEAD Model Challenge Process and the CPUC’s approved Initial Proposal Volume 1 Challenge Process – May 14
• State Digital Equity Plan & Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Meeting - May 23

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

File FCC Form 486 to Unlock Funding for 2024/25

Once the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has reviewed your organization’s annual E-rate application and has issued a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL), it will not issue any E-Rate funds until a FCC Form 486 has been filed and approved. The Form 486 is filed in the E-Rate Productivity Center portal and requires annual certification to compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act requirements. For step-by-step filing guidance, watch the FCC Form 486 video. Once your Form 486 has been processed, contact your broadband service provider to ensure it starts posting approved E-Rate discounts to your bills as early as July. Some providers will require you to complete additional documentation before processing discounts. Being proactive in this area will ensure you receive timely discounts on your bills!

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 at 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:

Filing the FCC Form 470 and Competitive Bidding Webinar August 1 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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 Broadband Team

digitalequity@cde.ca.gov