In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many schools and libraries have moved to distance learning, health care providers have quickly implemented telemedicine, and large numbers of Americans are confronting new economic hardships. As a result, Congress and the FCC are looking at current universal service programs including E-rate, Rural Health Care, and Lifeline, and programs like them, to help respond to this crisis. The FCC has taken some actions already, and there are calls outstanding for more. Congress, for its part, has appropriated $200 million for additional telehealth funding, and there are calls for additional funding for other needs in future relief bills.

On Tuesday, May 5, WBK presented a free webinar which provided an overview of the USF-related actions to date in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and a look ahead at future activities. Issues that were addressed include:

• A summary of USF-related FCC actions to date in response to COVID-19;
• A review of the CARES Act health care funding and the FCC’s program to distribute this funding;
• Consideration of future potential FCC and Congressional action to address needs for distance learning, telehealth, and low-income support in light of the pandemic.

PPT Slide Deck
Please Note: These slides are meant as a general guide to the issues that you may face. This information should not be considered legal advice, as we do not have the specific facts of your situation which could affect how rules are interpreted. For legal advice, you should always talk to your own counsel.