Connected Care Pilot Application Window Opens Friday

The FCC Connected Care Pilot Program application filing window opens at noon EST Friday and runs through Dec. 7, said an FCC Wireline Bureau public notice Thursday that provided guidance on submissions. Chairman Ajit Pai said the $100 million program for providing connected care services "explores how universal service support can provide next-level health care to our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including low-income Americans and veterans." Commissioner Brendan Carr said the pilot "is the healthcare equivalent of shifting from Blockbuster to Netflix," as connected devices eliminate the need to travel for healthcare. The pilot "can ensure that Americans receive quality care while continuing to maintain physical separation [and] be used to treat a wide range of health conditions," he said.