OUSF Emergency Bandwidth Deadline Extended Due to COVID-19 With Additional Information

Oklahoma Corporation Commission sent this bulletin at 09/17/2020 04:05 PM CDT

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Greetings Stakeholders,

In March 2020, the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund (OUSF) Administrator announced that eligible schools, libraries, mental health facilities, and healthcare facilities receiving OUSF funding for broadband services may temporarily increase their entity’s bandwidth, without extra cost, to aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the continued challenges facing our beneficiaries throughout the State, and to align with the various federal funding programs, the OUSF Administrator is extending the temporary emergency funding through June 30, 2021.

Additionally, for public schools, the Federal Communications Commission announced on September 16, 2020, the opening of a second application window for the 2020 E-rate funding year so that public schools may request E-Rate discounts for additional on-campus category one Internet access and/or data transmission services needed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply for additional E-rate funding is October 16, 2020.

Seeking and receiving all available E-rate funding is a requirement for receiving OUSF funding. For those public schools already receiving the emergency bandwidth from the OUSF, please make every effort to apply for, and receive the additional E-rate funding. The OUSF is required to audit funding requests to ensure compliance with all Federal and State guidelines. If your location is unable to apply for the Federal funding for any reason, please reach out to us to discuss as soon as possible.

For any beneficiary wishing to increase their bandwidth, please contact your consultant or service provider for details and availability. If you have any questions, please contact Maura Shortt at maura.shortt@occ.ok.gov.

A list of entities already approved, which will continue to receive the increased bandwidth so long as the above conditions are met, may be found at the following link: http://www.occeweb.com/PU/OUSF/EmergencyBandwidthIncreaseSummary.xlsx.

We would also like to extend a special thanks to all of our beneficiaries who continue to work through these difficult times to selflessly provide these critical services for all Oklahoma's residents, even in the face of ongoing challenging circumstances.

We know this emergency has created great stress across our state. Many of us have friends, or family, that have been heavily impacted. Some have lost loved ones. There are no words that will fully express our admiration of what you do to maintain health, safety, and a little slice of normalcy for our communities.

Once again, I am proud to be a part of the great State of Oklahoma. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,


Brandy Wreath | Director and OUSF Administrator
Public Utility Division and Consumer Services | Oklahoma Corporation Commission
p. 405-522-3356
Oklahoma.gov | www.occeweb.com