Media Contact: 
Anne Veigle
anne.veigle@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC ACTS TO PROVIDE RELIEF IN AREAS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IDA
Agency Extends Certain Regulatory and Filing Deadlines to Assist Consumers, Licensees and Communications Providers Affected by the Storm
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WASHINGTON, September 3, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission today took a series of actions to extend deadlines and waive rules to assist consumers, licensees and communications providers in Louisiana and Mississippi impacted by Hurricane Ida.

“The FCC is working around the clock in coordination with government partners and industry to support the restoration of vital communications services after the destruction of Hurricane Ida,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “Today, we’re extending deadlines for our universal service and other relief programs, including the Emergency Connectivity Fund and Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, to better assist consumers and providers in affected areas.  We are also extending filing deadlines for Form 477 broadband data reports, and extending filing and regulatory deadlines for wireless and public safety licensees in affected areas.  Meanwhile, we will continue to support recovery efforts and monitor the effects of the storm nationwide.  We offer our deep condolences to those who lost family members or whose homes and property were destroyed in this devastating hurricane.”

The Wireline Competition Bureau adopted an Order today which waives certain rules and deadlines for the E-Rate, Rural Health Care, Lifeline, High Cost, Emergency Connectivity Fund, and Emergency Broadband Benefit programs.

The Office of Economics and Analytics released a Public Notice establishing October 1, 2021 as the new deadline for submission of Form 477 data as of June 30, 2021 for affected filers in Louisiana and Mississippi.  For all other filers the deadline is September 15, 2021.

The Wireless Telecommunications and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus jointly released a Public Notice today which extends until October 1, 2021, certain deadlines that would occur between August 29, 2021 and September 30, 2021.  This includes construction deadlines and filing deadlines for certain license modifications, license renewals, and construction notifications.  

These actions are part of the agency’s commitment to assist those affected by Hurricane Ida to begin the recovery process.

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).