NATOA and Local Governments Meet with FCC on Emergency Connectivity Fund

NATOA, along with representatives of the cities of Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Dallas and Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Maryland, the Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues, the National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors, met with staff from the offices of FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks to discuss the Emergency Connectivity Fund.  The Commission is in the process of establishing rules for the Fund, which will provide over $7 billion in funding to assist eligible schools and libraries in meeting the broadband needs of students and library patrons at locations other than school and library buildings.  As outlined in this ex parte letter, the coalition described the types of programs local governments have been operating to meet these needs and the importance of flexibility to ensure these types of programs are eligible for funding.