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Most Consumers Want to Keep Telehealth After the COVID-19 Pandemic

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According to a new report, almost 88% of Americans want to continue using telehealth for non-urgent consultations after COVID-19 has passed. To assess consumer perspectives of telehealth, as well as how they may have shifted over the course of the pandemic, customer engagement company SYKES polled 2,000 Americans in March of 2021 and compared their responses with previous survey results on the subject from March of 2020. The research found substantial increases in virtual care support and satisfaction as a majority of Americans have now experienced telehealth firsthand. In March of 2020, about 20% of respondents had experienced a telehealth appointment, compared to over 61% in March of 2021. Nearly 80% said they feel it is possible to receive quality care through telehealth visits, and willingness to try telehealth in the future was shown to have jumped from about 60% to 80% as well. The survey also showed positive perceived benefits of telehealth, for instance nearly 86% of respondents say telehealth made it easier for them to get the care they need, and over 31% said their healthcare costs decreased at the same time.

Additional notable information garnered from the survey include the following findings:

  • 31% felt their doctor comes across more empathetic via telehealth
  • 64% said they’d prefer to have parts of their annual physical done via telehealth
  • 74% would be willing to share health data from a digital fitness tracker or smart medical device with their physicians
  • 74% believe telehealth appointments will become the norm

Overall, the responses seem to show consumer support and preferences toward telehealth will only continue to grow moving forward. Additional information on the survey and findings can be found on the SYKES report website.

 

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn highlights infrastructure needs in SC, pushes for American Jobs Plan

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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 22: Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) speaks during a news conference to discuss an upcoming House vote regarding statues on Capitol Hill on July 22, 2020 in Washington, DC. House Democrats have introduced a bill that would replace the bust of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber at the U.S. Capitol with one of former Justice Thurgood Marshall. Taney was the author of the 1857 Dred Scott decision that declared African Americans couldn’t be citizens. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

by: Chase Laudenslager
Posted: Apr 14, 2021/09:11 PM EDT/ Updated: Apr 14, 2021 / 09:16 PM EDT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCBD) – U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) on Wednesday released data collected by the American Society of Civil Engineers highlighting infrastructure shortcomings in South Carolina.

Clyburn cited the following as some of the report’s key findings:

  • 12% of households do not have access to broadband
  • 3,780 miles of road and 745 bridges are in disrepair
  • 19% of trains and other transit vehicles in the state are past their useful life
  •  267,000 renters pay more than 30% of their income in rent due to shortages in affordable housing units
  • South Carolina needs $6.1 billion in modernization costs to ensure safe drinking water
  • 34% of families have few or no childcare options in their communities, preventing parents from joining the workforce
  • 402,000 veterans in South Carolina rely on VA facilities, which have been chronically underfunded – leading to longer waits and lower quality care
  • An average low-income family in South Carolina currently pays 10-12% of their income toward energy bills because their home has not been sufficiently weatherized
  • South Carolina has experienced 37 extreme weather events in the past decade, which will only increase in frequency and severity due to the climate crisis.

To improve infrastructure throughout the state and country, Clyburn is advocating for the American Jobs Plan, which he says “will help all South Carolina communities meet their 21st Century challenges.”

Specifically, the plan “commits significant resources to lower energy costs and end digital deserts, consistent with [Clyburn’s] Affordable Internet for All Act.”

Click here for a full breakdown of how the plan would address South Carolina’s infrastructure needs.

FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Reboots in 2 Weeks

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The Federal Communications Commission will accept applications for the second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program from April 29 to May 6.

By Eric Wicklund

April 16, 2021 – Healthcare providers interested in taking part in the Federal Communications Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program will have seven days to submit applications, beginning on April 29.

The FCC made the announcement on Thursday, setting the stage for a second round of funding for projects aimed at boosting access to connected health services during the coronavirus pandemic through better broadband resources.

“For over a year, health care providers have fought on the front lines of this pandemic and have had to rapidly innovate to support the health and well-being of all Americans,” Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a press release. “Telehealth has been at the forefront of this effort and I’m pleased to announce that additional support is just around the corner.”
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“The FCC is dedicated to moving quickly to review and approve applications for this funding to support health care providers and patients across the country,” she added.

Congress appropriated $200 million in the CARES Act to launch the program in 2020 through the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau. FCC issued awards to 539 applicants before running out of money in July, but was criticized in some corners for a lack of transparency in the program.

Another $249.95 million was set aside in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to create a second round. At the same time, FCC officials revised the application and award process.

  • It will establish a system for rating applicants, with more attention paid to hardest-hit and low-income areas as well as projects that failed to gain approval in the first round, those in healthcare provider shortage areas and Tribal communities.
  • It will ensure “equitable nationwide distribution of funding so that each state, territory, and the District of Columbia will receive funding since the program’s inception.” Last year’s program funded projects in 47 states, Washington DC and Guam but sent no money to Hawaii, Alaska or Montana.
  • It will set a deadline for applications, rather than reviewing programs as they are submitted, so that all projects can be reviewed at the same time.
  • It will award funding in two phases, so that approved projects can be funded quickly and the rest have an opportunity to provide more information to qualify for the second phase.

The filing window will run from Thursday, April 29 to Thursday, May 6.

The money is designated for “telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth during the COVID19 pandemic.”

The COVID-19 Telehealth Program isn’t a grant program, but a reimbursement program. To receive disbursements, healthcare providers are required to submit an invoicing form and supporting documentation to receive reimbursement for eligible telemedicine and mHealth expenses and services.

FCC Encourages Public to Use Its Speed Test App

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WASHINGTON, April 12, 2021—As part of the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection effort to collect comprehensive data on broadband availability across the United States, the FCC is encouraging the public to download the FCC’s Speed Test app, which is currently used to collect speed test data as part of the FCC’s Measuring Broadband America program. The app provides a way for consumers to test the performance of their mobile and in-home broadband networks. In addition to showing network performance test results to the user, the app provides the test results to the FCC while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of program volunteers.“To close the gap between digital haves and have nots, we are working to build a comprehensive, user-friendly dataset on broadband availability. Expanding the base of consumers who use the FCC Speed Test app will enable us to provide improved coverage information to the public and add to the measurement tools we’re developing to show where broadband is truly available throughout the United States,” said Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel. The network coverage and performance information gathered from the Speed Test data will help to inform the FCC’s efforts to collect more accurate and granular broadband deployment data. The app will also be used in the future for consumers to challenge provider-submitted maps when the Broadband Data Collection systems become available. More information about the app is available on the FCC website. The FCC Speed Test App is available in the Google Play Store for Android devices, and in the Apple App Store for iOS devices.

FCC Speed Test App Tip Sheet

Description and Purpose

Q: Why does the FCC have a Speed Test App?

A: The app provides data for the FCC’s Measuring Broadband America Program’s mobileperformance measurement effort, aninitiative to gather crowdsourceddata on cellular networkperformanceacross the United States. The FCC mobile performance testing software, developedin cooperation withSamKnows Inc.,uses smartphonebased technology to collect broadband performance data, with the highest commitment to protecting participants’ privacy.The anonymizeddatais freely available (MBAMobile Data) to consumers, academics,policymakers, and any other interested parties.

Q: What is the FCC mobile app called and where can I get it?

A: It is called the FCC Speed Test app, and is available in the Google Play Store for Android devices, published by the developer “FCC APPs,” or in the Apple App Store for iOS devices, published by the developer Sam Knows. Search “FCC Speed Test” in either store.

Q: Aren’t there other speed tests already available?

A: There are other speed test apps. The FCC Speed Test mobile application helps the FCC fulfill a Congressional requirement to collect and provide the American public with free, open,and transparent information on mobile broadband performance across the United States. Other speed tests may not disclose their collection methods publicly,may impose fees for broad access to the data they collect, and may not reveal measurement details.

Q: Why should I download the app?

A: As a volunteer contributing to this effort, you get information about the broadband performance of networks that you use. Additionally, like any crowdsourced measurement effort, more volunteer participants will result in better quality data that is more statistically accurate and representative of the network performance that consumers experience.The aggregated and anonymized data will inform consumers and industry, and may lead to better mobile broadband performance for the nation. Through your efforts and those of other volunteers, the American public gets an accurate, unbiased, and open view of mobile broadband performance.

Q: Is the app free?

A: While the application itself is free, data transmitted by the app will count against any data usage limits for your service plan.To ensure that the amount of data used by the app is minimal, the app’s default setting limits its data usage to no more than 100 MB per month, which is a small fraction of many data plans. Users can change the data limit setting in the app.

Q: Why does the Android app include scheduled tests?

A: It helps to provide a more accurate view of typical network performance.Randomized tests distributed in an unbiased manner over various time periods and locales provide a more statistically valid approach to data collection. (You can disable scheduled background tests at your discretion or if they interfere with device performance.)*NOTE: Scheduled tests cannot be run on Apple devices due to iOS security features. As a result, the only option for such devices is manual ondemand testing.

Download links:


HHS Unveils Telehealth Grants to Address Rural Maternal, Obstetrics Care

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HHS is kicking off Black Maternal Health Week by offering three four-year grants, totaling $12 million, to projects aimed at boosting maternal health outcomes among underserved populations in rural America.

By Eric Wicklund

– Federal officials are making $12 million available for three projects that aim to approve maternal and obstetrics care for underserved populations in rural America, and they expect telehealth to be part of the program.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA’s) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy comes as federal officials kick off Black Maternal Health Week. The HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) program, which will offer the three award recipients grants of up to $1 million annually for four years, aims to boost outcomes in rural and underserved population by testing new models of connected care.

“Improving maternal health outcomes – particularly among Black women – is priority for the Biden administration and for the Department,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, said in a press release issued Monday. “Expanding access to health insurance coverage, preventative care and investing in rural maternity care is one step forward. With the American Rescue Plan, President Biden gave states tools to combat the racial disparities in pregnancy-related deaths by providing an easier pathway for states to ensure mothers access to the care they need after birth. Continuous health care coverage reduces health care costs and improves outcomes.”

In an HRSA release highlighting the RMOMS grant program, officials said the three award recipients would have four years to plan and launch programs that improve maternal obstetrics care in rural communities. Those programs would have four areas of focus: risk-appropriate care approaches in rural regions; continuum of care through network approaches; telehealth and specialty care; and financial sustainability.

“The program will allow awardees to test models in order to address unmet needs for their target population, which could include populations who have historically suffered from poorer health outcomes, health disparities and other inequities,” the release says.

Applicants must be part of a network serving HRSA-designated rural areas that includes at least two rural hospitals or critical access hospitals (CAHs), at least one federally qualified health center (FQHC), at least one Level II and/or Level IV facility (as defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), locally and/or regionally available social services in the continuum of care and the state Medicaid agency.

The HRSA will host a webinar on the program on April 22. Applications are due by June 4.

HHS isn’t the only organization taking a hard look at racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. Two months ago, Congress saw the introduction of a package of 12 bills called the Black Maternal Momnibus Act of 2021.

Among other things, the package of bills calls on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to consider payment models that improve the integration of telehealth services into maternal healthcare programs and establish grant programs for models of care that include access to broadband internet and remote patient monitoring services and programs that use mHealth tools to address social determinants of health.

Other bills in the package, which is endorsed by more than 190 organizations, would make targeted investments in programs that address social determinants of health, fund community-based organizations and programs that might use connected health tools and platforms to address issues like substance abuse, pre- and post-partum mental health, veteran care and building the perinatal workforce, and improve data collection efforts and quality measures to improve health outcomes and access to care.

In addition, several of the 14 applicants selected in January’s first round of the Federal Communications Commission’s Connected Care Pilot Program aim to use funding to launch or expand connected health programs that address high-risk pregnancies and maternal health outcomes.

“As maternal mortality rates continue to drop around the world, they are rising in the U.S., leaving behind devastated families and children who will grow up never knowing their moms,” US Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), who co-founded and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus and is one of the co-sponsors of the Black Maternal Momnibus Act, said in a press release. “This crisis demands urgent attention and serious action to save the lives of Black mothers and all women of color and birthing people across the county.”

FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program

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A Rule by the Federal Communications Commission on 04/12/2021

AGENCY:

Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) takes the next steps in funding the COVID-19 Telehealth Program (Program) by expanding the administrative responsibilities of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The Commission finds it in the public’s interest to direct USAC to administer the remainder of Round 1 and all of Round 2 of the Program under the Commission’s oversight.

DATES:

Effective April 12, 2021 and applicable February 2, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephanie Minnock, Wireline Competition Bureau, 202-418-7400 or by email at [email protected]. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible in order to allow the agency to satisfy such requests whenever possible. Send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This is a summary of the Commission’s document, Report and Order in WC Docket No. 20-89; FCC 21-24, adopted on February 2, 2021 and released on February 2, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission’s headquarters will be closed to the general public until further notice. The Start Printed Page 18899full text of this document is available at the following internet address: https://docs.fcc.gov/​public/​attachments/​FCC-21-24A1.pdf.

I. Introduction

1. In the Report and Order, the Commission takes the next step towards committing funding through the COVID-19 Telehealth Program by finding it is in the public interest to expand the administrative responsibilities of the Universal Service Administrative Company to include the Program. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented stress on the Nation’s health care system. As health care providers have struggled to provide urgently needed care, telehealth has emerged as an essential resource to combatting the pandemic. In March 2020, Congress allocated $200 million to the Commission to establish a program to help health care providers offer telehealth and connected care services and connected devices to patients at their homes or mobile locations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission established the Program and committed this funding to health care providers across the country. In December 2020, Congress appropriated an additional $249.95 million for a second round of funding for the Program under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

II. Discussion

2. After careful review of the record, and consideration of the Commission’s staff resources and the need to expeditiously implement Round 2 of the Program, the Commission adopted the proposal to direct USAC to administer the remainder of Round 1, which includes, but is not limited to, conducting an initial review of invoices, providing outreach and guidance to stakeholders about the invoicing processes, and processing post-program feedback reports. The Commission similarly directs USAC to administer all of Round 2 of the Program, which includes, but is not limited to, updating the portal that will be used by applicants, reviewing applications consistent with the metrics to be established by the Commission in a subsequent order, conducting an initial review of invoices, providing outreach and guidance to stakeholders about the application and invoicing processes, and administering any required audit and reporting requirements. For both the remainder of Round 1 and all of Round 2 of the Program, the Commission will retain the final funding decision-making authority.

3. The CARES Act, which authorized the Commission to create the Program, allows the Commission to rely on its rules under Part 54, i.e., to use the services of USAC, if the Commission determines that doing so is in the public interest. During Round 1 of the Program, the Commission made this public interest finding and directed USAC to help administer a narrow portion of the Program by processing eligibility determinations and promoting the Program to interested stakeholders. Based on the lessons learned during Round 1, the need to complete Round 1 and swiftly implement Round 2 of the Program, USAC’s extensive experience, and the support of commenters in the record, the Commission finds it is in the public interest to direct USAC to administer the remainder of Round 1 and all of Round 2 of the Program under the Commission’s oversight.

4. USAC has more than 20 years of expertise developed from administering the Commission’s Universal Service Fund Programs, which includes, but is not limited to, conducting applicant outreach, developing application systems, reviewing funding requests, and processing requests for disbursement. Given USAC’s long-standing, successful record of administering the Universal Service Fund Programs, directing USAC to administer this Program would ensure the expeditious implementation of Round 2 of the Program and efficient continuation of the remaining work of Round 1 of the Program. In addition, using USAC in this manner will allow for more efficient allocation of Commission staff resources.

5. The record further supports using USAC for the administration of the remainder of Round 1 and all of Round 2 of the Program. Commenters that opined on this matter supported the proposal to have USAC administer the Program, and at least one commenter noted USAC’s successful administration of the Rural Health Care Program. Although another commenter noted that USAC would need additional resources to accommodate this work, the Commission intends to allocate a sufficient amount of administrative expenses from the COVID-19 Telehealth appropriation to USAC so that it can successfully mobilize the necessary resources to administer the Program.

6. Consistent with its role in administering the Universal Service Fund Programs, USAC’s role for the Program will be limited to program administration; USAC will not have authority to make policy decisions for the Program. As indicated, the full Commission will establish award metrics in a subsequent order. Thereafter, Commission staff will provide USAC with additional guidance as necessary regarding remaining Round 1 responsibilities, the Round 2 application review process, the Round 2 application prioritization criteria, the Round 2 invoice review process, and any other related administrative functions required to implement the Program. Given the ongoing nature of the pandemic, and the urgent need for the Program, the Commission finds that it is in the public interest to designate USAC as the administrator for the Program at this time so that it can expeditiously put into place any necessary administrative resources and processes while the Commission and its staff continue to evaluate policy questions.

7. The Commission delegates financial oversight of the Program to the Commission’s Managing Director and direct the Office of the Managing Director (OMD) to work in coordination with the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) to ensure that all financial aspects of the program have adequate internal controls. These duties fall within OMD’s current delegated authority to ensure that the Commission operates in accordance with federal financial statutes and guidance. Such financial oversight must be consistent with the metrics to be established by the Commission in a subsequent order, and any Commission rules and policies to the extent these are applicable to the Program. OMD performs this role with respect to USAC’s administration of the Commission’s Universal Service Programs and the Commission anticipates that OMD will leverage existing policies and procedures, to the extent practicable and consistent with section 903 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182 to ensure the efficient and effective management of the Program. The Commission anticipates that among the first acts, OMD will perform to ensure satisfaction of its financial management obligations is the execution of a memorandum of understanding, or similar agreement, with USAC. Finally, the Commission notes that OMD is required to consult with the Bureau on any policy matters affecting the Program, consistent with § 0.91(a) of the Commission’s rules.

8. In USAC’s administration of the Program, it is directed to comply with, on an ongoing basis, all applicable laws and Federal government guidance on privacy and information security standards and requirements, such as the Privacy Act, relevant provisions in the Federal Information Security Start Printed Page 18900Modernization Act of 2014, National Institute of Standards and Technology publications, and Office of Management and Budget guidance.

9. The Commission finds that the Public Notice, DA 21-14 rel. Jan 6, 2021 provided sufficient notice and allowed for suitable public comment on our proposal to allow USAC to administer the Program. However, out of an abundance of caution, the Commission also determines that using additional notice and comment procedures for the administration of the emergency relief Program, and thereby delaying its effectiveness by at least several months, would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest. The good cause exception to the notice and comment procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act “excuses notice and comment in emergency situations, or where delay could result in serious harm.” “In determining whether good cause exists, an agency should `balance the necessity for immediate implementation against principles of fundamental fairness which require that all affected persons be afforded a reasonable amount of time to prepare for the effective date of its ruling.’ ”

10. As a general matter, the Commission believes that public notice and comment requirements are an essential component of our rulemaking process. In this case, however, because of the unprecedented nature of this pandemic and the need for immediate action, the Commission finds there is good cause for forgoing a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Delaying USAC’s ability to prepare for the administration of the Program would result in a delay in the commitment and use of Program funds. In light of the continued spread and devastating impact of COVID-19, and the continued urgent need to address this public health crises, any further delay in the use of Program funds to assist health care providers in meeting the health care needs of their patients could impede efforts to mitigate the spread of the disease, and would also frustrate Congress’s decision to declare an “emergency period” when it appropriated $200 million for Round 1 of the Program. This emergency relief imposes a minimal regulatory burden on any parties and serves to expedite the commitment of appropriated funds to help health care providers combat this global pandemic. For the same reasons, and because USAC must begin preparations as soon as practicable to handle the tasks the Commission has assigned to it, the Commission also finds good cause to make the rules granting this relief effective immediately upon release of the Report and Order.

III. Procedural Matters

A. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis

11. This document contains no new information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13.

B. Congressional Review Act

12. The Commission has determined, and the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), concurs that the rules adopted herein are “non-major” under the Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 804(2). Because the Commission finds for good cause that notice and public procedure on the rules adopted herein is impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, the Report and Order will become effective February 2, 2021 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 808(2). The Commission will send a copy of the Report and Order to Congress and the Government Accountability Office pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).

IV. Ordering Clauses

13. Accordingly, it is ordered that, pursuant to the authority contained in sections 201, 254, 303(r), and 403 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 201, 254, 303(r), and 403, DIVISION B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Public Law No 116-136, 134 Stat. 281, and DIVISION N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182, the Report and Order is adopted.

14. It is further ordered that, pursuant to the authority contained in section 808(2) of the Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 808(2), the Report and Order shall become effective February 2, 2021.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene Dortch,

Secretary.

[FR Doc. 2021-06153 Filed 4-9-21; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

White House releases SC fact sheet, presenting the benefits of the American Jobs Plan in the state

By News

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– On Monday, the White House released fact sheets for each state, highlighting the needs of each state that will be addressed under the American Jobs Plan.

The report says that South Carolina has over 3,780 miles of highway that are in poor condition, and the American Jobs Plan will dedicate over $600 billion towards improving the country’s transportation infrastructure including roads and bridges. The White House says the Americans Jobs plan will also invest over $85 million to modernize the nation’s public transit system.

According to the White House, the American Jobs Plan will address a number of needs in the country, including broadband, housing, clean drinking water, caregiving and manufacturing. The plan also recognizes the over 400,000 military veterans that live in the Palmetto State, and saying it will invest $18 billion towards improving the nation’s VA health care facilities.

Click here to see the full American Jobs Plan fact sheet for South Carolina.

Editorial: Broadband expansion efforts promising but still not enough for SC

By News

Jennifer Lewis, a physical therapist at Tidelands Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, blows a kiss to a patient upon finishing a telemedicine visit. Lauren Petracca/Staff

Telemedicine has proved its worth during the pandemic, and its expansion in South Carolina is strongly supported by Gov. Henry McMaster and the Legislature. But reaching the medically underserved regions of the state requires that they have adequate broadband internet service that in many cases remains unavailable.

That makes the lack of broadband services a major bottleneck for expanding telemedicine. It also is a chokepoint for online education. There are many ideas for expanding broadband service, but nearly all of them will require more government spending. Given the benefits of telemedicine and online education to our state’s rural communities, this should be a high priority for local, state and federal governments.

There is a large overlap between the medically underserved areas of the state and the many scattered areas — including some in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties — without any internet service or service that is too slow for effective online teaching or medical consultation.

The Legislature has appropriated $50 million to help expand broadband in the state, but that amount pales next to one projection that it will take an investment of $800 million to get the job done.

Given the poverty of many underserved areas, major commercial internet service providers have little incentive to make the necessary investments, just as many communities have found they can no longer afford hospitals.

The provision of adequate telemedicine services and the educational benefits of access to the internet are clearly public goods, and government should step in to provide the necessary incentives, including the creation of local nonprofit cooperatives to compete in the delivery of internet services. Such cooperatives are now forbidden by state law. That should change.

President Joe Biden’s infrastructure proposal includes $100 billion for government subsidies to broadband expansion, drawing on the analogy of the Rural Electrification Act that provided low-cost loans and authorized electric co-ops. South Carolina’s proportional share of this largesse would exceed $1 billion, which, if wisely spent, would be more than adequate to cover all of its gaps in broadband coverage.

The internet service provider industry, including such giants as AT&T and Verizon, opposes the creation of government-subsidized nonprofits to compete in the delivery of broadband services, and some prominent Republican voices have been raised against the Biden initiative.

So far that initiative lacks a full definition, although it is likely to follow the form of legislation recently proposed by S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a champion of broadband for all. But the idea that adequate home access to the internet is a public good like farm-to-market roads and rural electric cooperatives is sound. Like most public investments, the government should strive for broadband service that is self-sufficient in the long run, and Congress needs to figure out a formula for distinguishing good investments from bad ones. The subsidies should not just add to the federal budget deficit.

A well-financed national plan for broadband expansion makes sense for the nation and for South Carolina. It would lead to a better-educated, healthier population and stronger economic growth. It should be enacted.

Source:  Post and Courier

USDA Seeks Applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants

By News

 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is accepting applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program grants to help provide educational and medical services in rural areas.

The DLT program helps fund distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas to increase access to education, training and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable. USDA plans to make $44.5 million available in fiscal year 2021. Of this amount, $10.2 million is intended for projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services in rural areas.

Eligible applicants include most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses.

Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than June 4, 2021. For additional information, please visit the DLT webpage.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page

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