NEBSA 2021 Annual Virtual Conference Closes
Do You Have Potential Regulatory Issues Lurking In Your Future?
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel Named as FCC Acting Chairwoman
NEBSA 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Announced
FCC Seeks Comment on EBS White Space Auction Procedures
FCC Approves EBS Spectrum for Tribal Areas
FCC Chairman Announces Departure
T-Mobile Uses 2.5 GHz Spectrum for Rapid 5G Expansion
Find Your Path - 2021 NEBSA Annual Virtual Conference
2.5 GHz Spectrum Allows for T-Mobile's Rapid Expansion of 5G
2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window Extended by FCC
Clark County School District Provides 48,000 Computers to Promote Online Learning
50 Million Dollars In CARES Act Targeted by FCC and IMLS to Address Digital Divide
FCC Chairman Announces Plan for $200 Million Covid-19 Telehealth Program
FCC Grants Waiver to Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Homelands
FCC Chairman Pai Launches Keep Americans Connected Pledge
Eric Smith Elected as New Chair of NEBSA by Board of Directors
FCC Summit On 5G Cancelled Due To Coronavirus
FCC Launches Rural Tribal Window Webpage
NEBSA Seeking Input Regarding Member Interests
FCC Chair Announces Major Changes to EBS
EBS Rural Benefits in Michigan Featured on National Public Radio
The Federal Communications Commission announced that it is partnering with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and will be providing $50 million in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help address the digital divide during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The agencies will team up to raise awareness of these funds among libraries and Tribal organizations to increase broadband access in their communities.
The CARES Act allocated $50 million in funding to IMLS, the primary source of federal funding for the nation's museums and libraries, it also includes organizations serving Tribal communities, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. This includes work to expand digital network access, purchase Internet accessible devices, and provide technical support services to their communities.
States and territories may use these funds to expand broadband access and prioritize efforts to high-need communities using data on poverty rates, unemployment rates, and broadband availability. Additionally, $15 million of this funding will be awarded through grants to libraries and museums, as well as Tribes and organizations serving and representing Native Hawaiians.
The goal of these grant programs is to support organizations responding to the coronavirus pandemic in ways that meet the immediate and future COVID-19 needs. Grant proposals may include short- or medium-term solutions to address gaps in digital infrastructure. For example, libraries may partner with community organizations to develop community Wi-Fi hotspot and laptop lending programs in underserved areas. Applications are due June 12, 2020 with award announcements anticipated in August 2020.
To view the FCC announcement, click here.