CARES Act

The $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress to help provide relief to the United States economy from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closures of most workplaces and schools nationwide made clear the importance of internet access for all Americans. The CARES Act provided additional funding for broadband infrastructure deployment that will enhance distance learning, telehealth services, as well as other needs.

Online Learning Initiative
School closures due to COVID-19 required schools to quickly shift instruction from the classroom to the home. Many students were unable to receive online instruction due to the lack of internet service at home. In some cases, students did not have access to the internet; in other cases, it may not have been affordable.
Broadband Infrastructure Program
A portion of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) was allocated for broadband infrastructure. Expansion of broadband infrastructure emphasized services to rural communities and communities with a high prevalence of COVID-19 or with demographic characteristics consistent with risk factors for COVID-19. Reimbursable expenditures for infrastructure expansion were necessary for the COVID-19 public health emergency and helped to increase capacity for distance learning, telework, or telehealth.
Mapping and Planning
A portion of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) was allocated for broadband mapping and planning. The ORS was directed to secure a vendor for the development of a broadband statewide county-by-county mapping plan and to secure a vendor for the development of a statewide broadband infrastructure plan.
 

accelerateSC

The accelerateSC task force played a vital role in the safe and swift revitalization of our state’s economy following COVID-19. One important charge given to accelerateSC was to determine the best use of the CARES Act funds that were directed to South Carolina. They were also tasked with providing recommendations to the Governor for the $1.9 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) included in the CARES Act.

As a result of those efforts, the South Carolina General Assembly passed Act 142 authorizing the ORS to expend up to $50 million for broadband initiatives related to COVID-19.

 

ORS CARES Act Broadband Update Webinar

The ORS held an update webinar on October 27, 2020 about the implementation of Act 142, which is helping to deploy broadband infrastructure across South Carolina. Executive Director Nanette Edwards and ORS staff discussed successes so far with the effort.

View a recording of the webinar