COVID-19

Last Updated: 7 December 2021

This page is for historical reference. The links have not been verified since December of 2021.

NDIA resources:

Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Details

FCC Final Rule on EBB Effective April 13

FCC Consumer FAQ on Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)

USAC also has created an Emergency Broadband Support Center with a hotline (833) 511-0311 and an email (EBBHelp@USAC.org) where they will answer questions for all interested parties. The Hotline is open from 9am-9pm ET. 7 days a week

Computer Access

  1. For access to a computer, see if there is an AFTRR-affiliated non-profit refurbisher in your area that provides free or low-cost computer equipment. If there isn’t an organization in your area that can assist, PCs for People sells low cost computers and LTE Modem/hotspot equipment and offers internet service  using the hotspot to recipients with income  below the 200% poverty level and to recipients currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program.
  2. Gigabit Libraries Network http://giglibraries.net/page-1712339 — recordings of library discussions about providing internet access during the pandemic
  3. School bus wifi – https://www.kajeet.net/school-bus-wifi
  4. Hotspot devices – https://www.kajeet.net/smartspot
  5. How to guide for libraries about hotspots – https://texastipi.org/how-to-guide-for-libraries-click-the-link-to-see-pdf-of-working-document/
  6. Kansas City has an employer laptop challenge with information that can be applicable to other locations – https://www.kansascityfed.org/community/employer-laptop-challenge
  7. For end-user access to broadband, EveryoneOn.org has updated their tool that identifies which programs are available for an individual, based on location and income/status. This tool will be tracking updates based responses to COVID-19.
  8. Our partner, Connected Nation has put together a page on resources and solutions to providing connectivity and a set of strategies for states to address challenges from a shelter in place
  9. Comcast is offering free wifi access at their xfinitywifi hotspots. People can find their nearest hotspot by visiting https://wifi.xfinity.com and entering their zip code. When connecting, make sure to select the “xfinitywifi” network name from the list of available hotspots to get the free access.  These hotspots are located in business and outdoor locations like parks, shopping areas and transportation platforms which are open to everyone at this time.
  10. T-Mobile says due to school districts nationally reporting the potential need for students to attend from home/remote the following Empowered Program updates will be made available to K-12 School Districts under our Education offering:
    • Requires a 12 months commit
    • $10 plan – 2GB high speed data-  Hotspot hardware -$36
    • $20 plan  – Unlimited High Speed Data -$0 Hotspot hardware
  11. Note, in Portland and San Francisco school districts are covering Comcast internet essentials costs by having the district pay Comcast for the $10/month service. Ref
  12. Chairman Pai of the FCC has published Keep America Connected Pledge, encouraging companies to keep people connected without undo financial burden. For the latest list of companies that have signed on and related news, see Chairman Pai’s twitter feed on the topic
  13. a Covid-19 news update page from digivide.org
  14. Verizon has a Distance Learning Program agreement offers discounted unlimited 4G LTE service– running through June 2021 or the end of the pandemic, whichever goes longer, which is available in the following states:Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

Learning/Training

  1. Peer to Peer University has put together a handbook for virtual learning circles to help with running virtual community-based education programs
  2. ByteBack has  great article on bootstrapping- how do you take an online course when you don’t know how to get online yet: Welcoming Computer Beginners to an All-Digital World
  3. Some libraries are starting to open computer labs. Here is a set of procedures from one such library in Illinois
  4. Federal government allows use of TANF, SNAP E&T, WIOA funds to support digital inclusion – https://www.nationalskillscoalition.org/news/blog/federal-government-allows-use-of-tanf-snap-et-wioa-funds-to-support-digital-inclusion
  5. Hanover Research, a for-profit market research company, posted a National On-Line Learning Survey, showing concerns for college students & their parents

Social Services

  1. New American Economy has a COVID resource page for immigration-related issues
  2. A Spanish-language Connectivity “Recipe Book”, put together by https://conectemosya.org/, a COVIDWarriers project, with recommendations for operators, organizations, and families
  3. International Rescue Committee has developed a presentation on Developing Digital Skills to Advance Economic Well-being
  4. National Housing Conference has a COVID resource page for housing-related issues

Government

  1. Funding information can be found in the Federal Funding Guide.
  2. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has put together a database on how states are spending the $150 billion of Coronavirus Relief Funds that were part of the CARES Act that passed Congress back in March. You can search by state and funding area, including a category named “Technology/broadband.”
  3. How Your Community Can Quickly Connect the Unconnected from CLIC (Coalition for Local Internet Choice)
  4. An article on pursuing Federal broadband grant funds

General Information on Covid-19

  1. Our partner, Connected Nation has put together a page summarizing state-by-state response to COVID-19. Note that this is not specifically broadband related.
  2. Virtual Summit recordings https://gsv.ventures/virtual-summit-series/