Thread by @AjitPaiFCC

Pleased to announce key changes to @FCC's Rural Health Care and #ERate programs that'll make it easier for broadband providers to support #telehealth and #remotelearning. These services are more critical than ever given the #coronavirus pandemic. 1/4

Specifically, the #FCC has waived the gift rules until August 30, 2020 to enable service providers to offer, and RHC/#ERate program participants to solicit and accept, improved connections or additional equipment for #telemedicine or #remotelearning during this pandemic. 2/4

This waiver will let health care providers, schools, and libraries accept improved capacity, #WiFi hotspots, networking gear, or other equipment or services to support doctors and patients, teachers and students, and librarians and patrons during the #coronavirus outbreak. 3/4

I expect these private-sector efforts to complement @FCC's ongoing work with Congress to appropriate funds for Remote Learning Initiative & COVID Connected Care Pilot, which would let us use federal funds to support in-home equipment for #COVID-impacted patients & students. 4/4

[Correction: we've waived the gift rules until *September* 30, 2020.]