October 6, 2017, the FCC released a Public Order waiving certain E-rate rules and deadlines to assist schools and libraries located in the areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Applicants located in affected areas have been provided regulatory relief for up to 150 days from the effective date of this Order. Previously, SLD had issued an additional 30 days to respond to Program Integrity Assurance (PIA), among other inquiries, to areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and covered by federal disaster declarations. The Order states that “…the Hurricanes have caused widespread and catastrophic damage, destroyed and damaged countless homes, schools, libraries, and health care facilities, displaced residents, and disrupted communications. Because of these compelling and unique circumstances, we find good cause to waive certain rules and deadlines to assist schools and libraries…”
The FCC has extended these deadlines:
The FCC has extended these deadlines:
- Requests for review or waiver of decisions by USAC, directed to USAC or the Commission;
- Filing FCC Form 486 (Receipt of Service Confirmation and Children’s Internet Protection Act Certification (CIPA) Form);
- Filing FCC Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form) and Form 474 (Service Provider Invoice Form)
- Service implementation deadlines
The FCC also recognizes records may be lost and have waived certain document retention rules tied to the hurricane affected areas.
The Order and specific details can be viewed here.
