FCC Grants Waivers for Late-Filed E-rate Applications Outside 14-Day Grace Period
On June 15, 2020, the Commission issued a Public Notice granting 143 Requests for Waiver of the FCC Form 471 filing deadline. This is in addition to the 131 waiver requests granted in the May Public Notice.
Notably, of the 143 granted in the June Public Notice, 49 requests were for applications filed later than 14 days after the window closed. While the Commission has routinely granted waivers for applications filed within 14 days after the close of the window, it has rarely granted waivers for applications filed after the 14-day grace period. The Commission noted these waivers were granted “due to circumstances beyond [the applicant’s] control.” A review of many of the appeals indicated that those waiver requests said the applications were filed late because of issues related to the coronavirus pandemic and associated school and library closures.
Notably, of the 143 granted in the June Public Notice, 49 requests were for applications filed later than 14 days after the window closed. While the Commission has routinely granted waivers for applications filed within 14 days after the close of the window, it has rarely granted waivers for applications filed after the 14-day grace period. The Commission noted these waivers were granted “due to circumstances beyond [the applicant’s] control.” A review of many of the appeals indicated that those waiver requests said the applications were filed late because of issues related to the coronavirus pandemic and associated school and library closures.
