{"id":35842,"date":"2025-01-21T21:20:19","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T02:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=35842"},"modified":"2025-01-23T21:32:02","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T02:32:02","slug":"update-on-hotspot-eligibility-resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/?p=35842","title":{"rendered":"Update on Hotspot Eligibility &amp; Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>January 21, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have received several inquiries related to the future of the FCC\u2019s Wi-Fi Hotspot E-rate eligibility as well as questions about bidding for these services and equipment.&nbsp; This message shares the most recent information I have regarding DC happenings and provides updated resources and filing guidance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Future of E-rate eligibility of Off-Campus Wi-Fi Hotspots<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No official decision or action has been taken to repeal the E-rate eligibility of this service\/equipment.&nbsp; However, we do know that the two current FCC Republican Commissioners strongly opposed the adoption last year and when the third Republican commissioner is approved by the Senate, Chairman Carr will have the votes needed should he wish to repeal or modify its eligibility.&nbsp; We also have read that Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Ted Cruz, the new Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, plan to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/broadbandbreakfast.com\/cruz-to-introduce-cra-resolution-targeting-fccs-e-rate-rule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">introduce a resolution<\/a>&nbsp;to rescind the FCC\u2019s July 2024 vote to make Wi-Fi hotspots eligible for E-rate discounts.&nbsp; The resolution will be introduced as part of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uscode.house.gov\/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title5-chapter8&amp;saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjUgc2VjdGlvbjo4MDEgZWRpdGlvbjpwcmVsaW0pIE9SIChncmFudWxlaWQ6VVNDLXByZWxpbS10aXRsZTUtc2VjdGlvbjgwMSk%3D%7CdHJlZXNvcnQ%3D%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&amp;edition=prelim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Congressional Review Act<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 a rarely used oversight tool Congress may use to overturn final rules issued by federal agencies from a previous administration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of what may happen at the FCC or in Congress related to Wi-Fi Hotspot eligibility, if you are interested in participating in this initiative, I encourage you to proceed.&nbsp; We never know what will happen and it could be that the initiative is kept, but scaled back (perhaps to only include libraries?).&nbsp; Participation also will show policymakers that there is strong need for these services.&nbsp; If you do apply, be sure to include an \u201cout clause\u201d in your vendor contract so if the initiative is rescinded, you have the option to cancel your contract.&nbsp; Also, be sure to file the Wi-Fi Hotspot FRN on a separate E-rate Form 471 (this is important).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Resources and Filing Guidance<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wi-Fi Hotspot RFP Template Available &#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong>I\u2019ve received several requests for an RFP template and your wish is my command!&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Wi-Fi-Hotspot-E-rate-RFP-Template.docx\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wi-Fi Hotspot RFP Template<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp; Please modify as needed and let me know if you have any suggestions to improve the template.&nbsp; Also, if you already have hotspot equipment and just need the service, you can remove that section of the RFP and bid response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Off-Campus Wi-Fi Hotspot Eligibility and Calculator<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp; I have created a helpful hotspot budget calculation worksheet to help schools and libraries determine the maximum amount of funding they may request each funding year at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hot-Spot-3-Year-Budget-Calculation-Worksheet-.xlsx\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_xlsx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hot-Spot-3-Year-Budget-Calculation-Worksheet-.xlsx<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A Wi-Fi Hotspot and Form 470 Filing Guide<\/strong>&nbsp;is available at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hot-Spot-Lending-Webinar-Oct-2024-PA.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hot-Spot-Lending-Webinar-Oct-2024-PA.pdf<\/a>.&nbsp; This guide provides Form 470 screenshots and an easy-to-understand of the Hotspot Budgets available to each school and library.&nbsp; I will provide Form 471 filing guidance in the next few weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Updated Wi-Fi Hotspot FAQs&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 USAC has added 5 new FAQs to their original list of 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#Wi-Fi-Hotspots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#Wi-Fi-Hotspots<\/a>.&nbsp; I\u2019ve pasted them all at the end of this message so you have them in a single place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>New FCC Guidance on Hot Spot Competitive Bidding \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>The FCC has just issued guidance to confirm that no previously-signed Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot service contracts can be considered E-rate eligible, even those contracts signed as part of the Emergency Connectivity Fun (ECF).&nbsp; Additionally, the FCC confirmed that applicants are not permitted to use the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/DA-02-2975A1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kalamazoo Order<\/a>&nbsp;to post a Form 470 now to make a previously-signed contract E-rate eligible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>USAC Hot Spot FAQs<\/u><\/strong><strong>&nbsp;(additions are at the end):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Who is eligible for Wi-Fi hotspots?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eligible schools and libraries are able to receive support for Wi-Fi hotspot equipment and services for off-premises use by students or library patrons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-23\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Who is ineligible to receive Wi-Fi hotspot devices funded through E-Rate?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schools may not distribute Wi-Fi hotspots to ineligible Head Start, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten populations.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can you receive E-Rate funding for hotspots for virtual students? And how should virtual students be counted as part of enrollment?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consistent with Category Two budgets, virtual students are eligible for Wi-Fi hotspots and can be included in the budget count if they are enrolled at a brick-and-mortar school.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Are the hotspot devices eligible for early purchase under the advance installation rules even though no construction is involved?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can we use E-Rate funding to support a 1:1 hotspot initiative?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No. According to paragraph 32 of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-76A1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FCC Order 24-76,<\/a>&nbsp;the E-Rate program&nbsp;<strong>prohibits using Wi-Fi hotspots as part of a one to one (1:1) hotspot initiative<\/strong>, where every student receives a Wi-Fi hotspot. Generally, applicants are prohibited from seeking E-Rate support for a 1:1 hotspot initiative and will be<strong>&nbsp;required to certify on the FCC Form 471<\/strong>&nbsp;application that the hotspots and service will not be used for a 1:1 hotspot initiative. If E-Rate-funded Wi-Fi hotspots are effectively used as part of a 1:1 initiative \u2013 either in practice by providing all of the devices to a single school in the district or in conjunction with Wi-Fi hotspots funded via other sources, applicants must&nbsp;<strong>document clearly<\/strong>&nbsp;(i.e., individual survey results or attestations) that each individual student needed a Wi-Fi hotspot, in accordance with the applicants\u2019 AUPs, and may not rely on general or estimated findings about income levels. Funding disbursements for applicants without specific documentation to support a 1:1 Wi-Fi hotspot initiative will be subject to denial and\/or recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-27\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">If we already have hotspot devices with active services, can we request E-Rate support for this?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ECF or other federally funded Wi-Fi hotspot contracts are not grandfathered, but applicants may seek competitive bids for services to be delivered via ECF or other separately funded Wi-Fi hotspot devices.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-28\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How do the hotspot budgets work?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The hotspot budget is the maximum amount of&nbsp;<strong>pre-discount funding<\/strong>&nbsp;permitted for Wi-Fi hotspots and\/or service over three funding years. This is a&nbsp;<strong>fixed budget<\/strong>, meaning that once it\u2019s been established, it will not change over the course of the three-year cycle, regardless of if the input changes (students, square footage, Category One discount).&nbsp;Please see this&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/e-rate\/documents\/resources\/E-Rate-Wifi-Hotspot-Infographic-1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wi-Fi Hotspots Infographic<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where does the Category One discount rate used to calculate my budget come from in the first year that I apply for Wi-Fi hotspots?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your discount rate is the Category One discount percentage for the funding year when an applicant first applies for Wi-Fi hotspots and services. For more information on how to calculate your discount percentage, see the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/calculating-discount-rates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Calculating Discounts FAQs.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How is the school\u2019s full-time student count or the library square footage determined?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your most recently verified Category Two data (full-time student count or square footage) during the funding year that an applicant first applies for Wi-Fi hotspot equipment and services is used to calculate the Wi-Fi hotspots budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"10\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-31\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Are kindergarten students included in the student count for the budget calculation?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes. If the Category Two budget student enrollment includes kindergarten students (or pre-k\/Head Start in eligible states), they are counted for determining the hotspot budget. However, those students are ineligible to receive a Wi-Fi hotspot funded through E-Rate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"11\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-32\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">According to FCC Order 24-76, applicants may not request more than 45% of their three-year budget in any one funding year. What does this mean?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This means that the applicant is limited to requesting a maximum of 45% of their three-year budget in any particular funding year. For example, an applicant that has a budget of $63,000 would only be able to request discounts on costs up to $28,350 in any single funding year. Even if the applicant first applies in the third year of its budget, they are still restricted to requesting 45% of their budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"12\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-33\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Is there a funding floor for the Wi-Fi hotspot program?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is no funding floor for the Wi-Fi hotspot program. However, each entity will be eligible for at least 10 Wi-Fi hotspots and service lines (i.e., $6,300 pre-discount hotspot budget).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"13\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">When do I round when calculating my hotspot budget?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the hotspot budget calculation, the value in the brackets [product of A. student count\/square footage, B. multiplier, and C. discount rate] always rounds&nbsp;<strong>up&nbsp;<\/strong>to the nearest ten before it is multiplied by $630.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some examples of hotspot budget calculations, broken down into each factor of the calculation and step of the equation.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mail.google.com\/mail\/u\/1?ui=2&amp;ik=ca3308b94a&amp;attid=0.0.1&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1821890616062938424&amp;th=1948a7dcce0c8d38&amp;view=fimg&amp;fur=ip&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1821890616062938424&amp;sz=s0-l75-ft&amp;attbid=ANGjdJ9qRFAzal80QvzLxcv19WpdxND9u8HwJGl9utNmUfM7BJ0jFvCHU9gGP75ja7Dat09jzXZj1P_GKxFYInTLP1V5Tua1lnVcTVpExmc_xr3IBbtF8e4SVPTFdt8&amp;disp=emb&amp;zw\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"14\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-35\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How do the cost caps limit my budget?&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There are three constraints of the Wi-Fi hotspot initiative to limit funding and allow for the equitable distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots and services to students, school staff, and library patrons, and to ensure cost effectiveness. These constraints are (1) a set budget, (2) annual request limits (the applicant must not request more than 45% of their budget in one year), and (3) funding caps on equipment and services ($15 per month for the wireless service and $90 per Wi-Fi hotspot). Applicants can use their budget at their own discretion as long as it does not exceed the capped amounts and subject to the annual request limit. In other words, the budget calculation is not contingent upon what you purchase.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"15\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What if I purchase equipment or services that cost more than the funding caps?&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants are free to purchase equipment and services that cost more than the funding caps, but applicants are responsible for the amount that exceeds the funding caps. For example, if you purchase an Internet access line for $20 per month for your Wi-Fi hotspot, and you have a 90% discount rate, USAC will cover the capped amount, and you are responsible for 100% of that difference. In this case, that means USAC would pay $13.50 ($15 x 90% = $13.50), and you would pay the non-discounted share ($1.50) plus anything over the $15 cap (i.e. $5.00) for a total of $6.50 per month.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"16\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-37\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">If the cost of the equipment or service is more than the funding cap, could an applicant apply for a grant to pay for the rest of that device or monthly service?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For E-Rate purposes, the remaining applicant costs can come from another funding source, federal or otherwise, provided the funding is not coming from the service provider.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"17\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-38\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">If you have secured a contract at costs lower than the capped amount for service and device, are you able to request more quantity to serve more students\/patrons?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants that select lower-cost Wi-Fi hotspots and\/or services, or that find ways to maintain Wi-Fi hotspots for longer, will be able to request a larger quantity of E-Rate supported hotspots or lines of service depending on their individual needs and budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"18\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-39\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can applicants and\/or service providers seek reimbursement to the funding caps?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Entities must request E-Rate support based on actual, commercial-based costs. Service providers will be required to certify that the costs of the Wi-Fi hotspots do not exceed commercial value. Note: USAC may modify, reduce, and\/or recover funding requests that are determined to be higher than the actual, market-based price of commercially available Wi-Fi hotspots.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"19\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-40\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Do E-Rate funded hotspots need to be used for educational purposes?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yes, applicants must certify that E-Rate-funded hotspots will be used primarily for education purposes. Additionally, applicants are required to maintain\/update their acceptable use policies (AUPs) to clearly state that off-premises use must be primarily for an educational purpose. Applicants are also required to certify on the FCC Form 486 that these requirements have been met and must be able to demonstrate compliance, if asked.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-41\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can applicants request extra replacement devices?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No, applicants cannot purchase hotspots in anticipation of future use, loss, or breakage. Applicants must certify to their compliance with this limitation on the FCC Form 471 application. In the event of loss or breakage, applicants may purchase extra devices with other sources of funding to use with the E-Rate-supported service, or they can request devices in the next funding year within their budgets, if devices need to be replaced.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-42\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is the difference between \u201cwarehoused\u201d hotspot devices and hotspot devices that have not been checked out yet?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wi-Fi hotspots will not be considered warehoused so long as the school or library activates the Wi-Fi hotspot device, makes it available for loan, and publicizes the availability of the Wi-Fi hotspots and service to students, school staff, and library patrons via public notice or other means. Wi-Fi hotspots that have not been made available for distribution per these requirements (e.g., if they are never turned on, never publicized, stored in an office, still in the box) will be considered to have been warehoused, and the entity may be subject to a financial recovery. See&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-76A1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FCC Order 24-76<\/a>, paras. 55, 58.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How long can my school or library lend a Wi-Fi hotspot?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The details of such a hotspot lending program\u2014such as length of lending periods and how to target the appropriate students and library patrons\u2014will be left to the applicant to determine and tailor the hotspot lending program to their local needs. Entities should structure a lending program in a way that maximizes use of Wi-Fi hotspots and services following the requirements adopted in the Order (<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-76A1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FCC 24-76<\/a>). Such measures to encourage use may include limited lending periods (e.g., 21 days or less).&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-44\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What happens if a student doesn\u2019t use the Wi-Fi hotspot for more than 90 days (like in the summer)?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants that know that Wi-Fi hotspots will not be used are encouraged to work with their service providers to pause service. The FCC prohibits E-Rate support for lines of service that have not been used for approximately three consecutive months (90 days). Specifically, after 60 days of non-usage, service providers are required to provide 30 days\u2019 notice to the applicant before terminating the unused line of service. This approach appropriately accounts for limited, legitimate instances of non-usage, such as a school\u2019s summer break, while also providing sufficient time to allow schools and libraries to work with their service provider, as well as their student, school staff, and library patron users to remedy the non-usage without being unnecessarily penalized. Service providers may not bill the applicant during this non-usage period.&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-45\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">If the hotspot gets disconnected due to not being used for 90 days, is there a way to have those devices reconnected? If they can get reconnected, can they still be eligible for E-Rate funding?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants may work with their service provider to restart services that have been terminated (e.g., where a hotspot is redistributed) once per funding year. However, applicants that take such action to restart service after termination will be subject to program integrity reviews and therefore, applicants should take steps to ensure that they have the associated need prior to restarting services terminated for non-usage.&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-46\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">If a line of service is terminated due to non-usage, can service providers bill the schools for what is not covered by E-Rate?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the event of a terminated line of service resulting from the non-usage requirement, service providers are prohibited from billing the applicant for the balance that was not paid for by the E-Rate program. Service providers will be required to certify on their FCC Form 473 (Service Provider Annual Certification (SPAC) Form) that they will comply with this non-usage notice and termination requirement and will not charge applicants the balance for the terminated services.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"26\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-47\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What records do I need to keep if I request funding for Wi-Fi hotspots?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For each Wi-Fi hotspot, applicants are required to maintain an asset and service inventory that identifies:&nbsp; 1) the equipment make\/model;&nbsp; 2) the equipment serial number;&nbsp; 3) the full name of the person to whom the equipment was provided (for schools only) (Note: Entities may anonymize or deidentify any personally identifiable information when producing asset and service inventories); 4) the dates the equipment was loaned out and returned, or the date the school was notified that the equipment was missing, lost, or damaged; and 5) the service detail (i.e., a phone number or unique identifier for the line of service).&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-48\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Are libraries required to collect signed user statements to demonstrate unmet need for off-premises Wi-Fi hotspots like the Emergency Connectivity Fund?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No.&nbsp;However, both schools and libraries are required to adopt and provide notice to the Wi-Fi hotspot recipients of an acceptable use policy (AUP) that highlights that the goal of the hotspot lending program is to provide broadband access to students and library patrons who need it. Per&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/docs.fcc.gov\/public\/attachments\/FCC-24-76A1.pdf\" class=\"mtli_attachment mtli_pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FCC Order 24-76<\/a>, it is up to the schools and libraries themselves to determine who should be getting hotspots and how people should request them. This approach will not require applicants to document whether a particular student, school staff member, or library patron has unmet need. However, there is an exception for one-to-one initiatives (see Question 26).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"28\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How do I apply for Wi-Fi hotspots on the FCC Form 470?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#8212; For recurring mobile wireless Internet&nbsp;<em>services<\/em>, select \u201cI seek bids for wireless Internet services that can be delivered with a Wi-Fi hotspot for off-premises use.\u201d This can be found under: \u201cI seek bids for internet access and\/or data transmission service.\u201d&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8212; For Wi-Fi hotspot&nbsp;<em>devices<\/em>, select \u201cI seek bids for Wi-Fi hotspots for off-premises use.\u201d This can be found under: \u201cI seek bids for Category One network equipment or maintenance and operations.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"29\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Should the Wi-Fi hotspot and the service be requested on two separate FCC Forms 471?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No, off-premises Wi-Fi hotspot devices and associated service lines may be requested on the same FCC Form 471.&nbsp;However, for ease of administration and to streamline review of funding requests, Wi-Fi hotspots, services, as well as any eligible components or fees should be requested on separate funding line items when seeking support for these equipment and services, and applicants and service providers should itemize eligible components when invoicing. Additionally, off-premises Wi-Fi hotspots and services should be requested on a separate FCC Form 471 from requests for on-premises Category One and Category Two equipment and services.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-51\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Is an RFP required for Wi-Fi hotspots or service?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No, but applicants should ensure they provide sufficient information for potential service providers to bid, such as the anticipated service area.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"31\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-52\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What are the Children\u2019s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements for the Wi-Fi hotspot initiative?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CIPA applies to school- or library-owned computers if the school or library receives E-Rate (or ECF) support for Internet access, Internet service, internal connections, and\/or the related network equipment. Wi-Fi hotspots qualify as eligible \u201cNetwork Equipment\u201d for Internet access, Internet service, or internal connections and therefore triggers the need for CIPA compliance. Specifically, CIPA requires schools and libraries that have computers with Internet access to certify that they are enforcing a policy of Internet safety that includes the operation of a technology protection measure (e.g., a filter). Schools and libraries are required to block or filter visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors across all sites, including social media. CIPA also requires monitoring the online activities of minors and providing education about appropriate online behavior, including warnings against cyberbullying.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"32\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can applicants apply for more wireless Internet access lines than Wi-Fi hotspot devices or must they request an equal number of lines and devices? What if the applicant already bought Wi-Fi hotspots through other means (e.g., Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) or other funding sources)?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All Wi-Fi hotspot equipment requests must have an associated line of service on the application.&nbsp;However, applicants who purchased Wi-Fi hotspot devices through ECF, or another funding source, can receive E-Rate funding for the Internet access service plans to use these previously purchased devices.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-54\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can an applicant request more Wi-Fi hotspot devices than wireless Internet access lines just in case the devices are lost, stolen, or stop working?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No.&nbsp;Applicants&nbsp;<strong>cannot&nbsp;<\/strong>request more devices than lines in anticipation of potential loss\/breakage. Replacement devices for the same line may be purchased using non-E-Rate funding sources or replacement devices can be requested in the next funding year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"34\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-55\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can applicants request Wi-Fi hotspot devices and pair them with private network services or wireless Internet access purchased via another funding source?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No.&nbsp;The purchase of devices receiving services through a private network or other funding sources is ineligible for E-Rate support.&nbsp;Only Wi-Fi hotspots to be used with commercially available mobile wireless Internet access services are eligible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"35\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-56\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Do we have to purchase all of our Wi-Fi hotspot devices\/lines of service at once or can we stagger the purchases based on student or library patron needs?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants can stagger delivery of devices and\/or lines approved on the FCC Form 471 throughout the year. Applicants do not have to take receipt of all lines and devices purchased through the E-Rate program at the same time. However, applicants are reminded that the funding year ends on June 30 and FY 2025 recurring services cannot be delivered after the funding year has ended.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"36\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usac.org\/e-rate\/learn\/faqs\/eligible-services\/#faq-57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can applicants continue using a pre-existing Wi-Fi hotspot service contract?<\/a><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No. An applicant must seek competitive bids, waits at least 28 days, use price of the eligible equipment or services as the primary factor, and enter into a new contract with the selected provider. See&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.fcc.gov\/document\/fcc-guidance-usac-e-rate-competitive-bidding-rules__;!!NLqmQQ!ulYFTkv1T_yzMDaD-dvE-oikwO9cr2aB-PVInl0x3GHVa2GrCVh_Jeqkc0qmyk-AsEsT41vHKFBPrWiwGc3MCMOUZypCFi8$\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DA 24-1287<\/a>&nbsp;for more information on this competitive bidding guidance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>As always, please let me know if you have any questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212; Julie<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Julie Tritt Schell<br>Pennsylvania E-rate Coordinator<br>717-730-7133 &#8211; o<br>jtschell@comcast.net<br>www.e-ratepa.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"twitter-share\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?via=eratepenn\" class=\"twitter-share-button\" data-size=\"large\">Tweet<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>January 21, 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-listserve_archive"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=35842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35842\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-ratepa.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}