Congressional Response Programs
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress created several programs to help people stay connected during this disruptive period: COVID-19 Telehealth Program, Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, and Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. The FCC designated USAC to administer these programs.
The second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will also be subject to supply chain certifications. In the meantime, it is the responsibility of all service providers, program participants, and applicants to make decisions that protect the integrity of the communications supply chain.
In short: Program funding may not be used to purchase, rent, lease, or otherwise obtain any communications equipment or services as identified and published on the Covered List (last updated March 25, 2022 and updated as needed.)
COVID-19 Telehealth Program
The COVID-19 Telehealth Program provides funding for telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices to eligible health care providers to provide telehealth and connected care services to enable patients to access necessary health care services while helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
This program is federally funded and administered by USAC. The March 2021 COVID-19 Report and Order (FCC 21-39) requires compliance with 47 C.F.R. § 54.10.
For Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, funding awardees must certify compliance with section 54.10 on the Request for Reimbursement form.
The certification to section 54.10 reads as follows: I certify that no Federal subsidy made available through a program administered by the Commission that provides funds to be used for the capital expenditures necessary for the provision of advanced communications services has been or will be used to purchase, rent, lease, or otherwise obtain, any covered communications equipment or service, or maintain any covered communications equipment or service previously purchased, rented, leased, or otherwise obtained, as required by 47 C.F.R. § 54.10.
Emergency Connectivity Fund Program
The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program reimburses schools and libraries for the reasonable costs of eligible equipment and broadband connections used to help students, staff, and patrons who otherwise lack access to be able to engage in remote learning.
This program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Report and Order requires program compliance with 47 C.F.R. § 54.10.
Applicants must certify compliance with section 54.10 on the FCC Form 472 and service providers that agree to invoice on behalf of applicants must certify on the FCC Form 474, both available in One Portal.
The certification to section 54.10 reads as follows: I certify that no Federal subsidy made available through a program administered by the Commission that provides funds to be used for the capital expenditures necessary for the provision of advanced communications services has been or will be used to purchase, rent, lease, or otherwise obtain, any covered communications equipment or service, or maintain any covered communications equipment or service previously purchased, rented, leased, or otherwise obtained, as required by 47 C.F.R. § 54.10.
Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program
The EBB Program helps low-income households afford broadband services and connected internet devices during the pandemic.
EBB Program providers are subject to section 54.10 and will have to certify their compliance on subsequent forms. While there is not currently a supply chain certification on the EBB Program reimbursement forms it is the responsibility of participating providers to demonstrate compliance with the supply chain rules. More certification information will be forthcoming.
Learn More
To learn more, please reference these relevant FCC orders: