On June 15, 2021, the FCC announced the initial filing window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7.17 Billion program that will help schools and libraries provide the tools and services their communities need for remote learning during the COVID-19 emergency period.
From June 29, 2021 to August 13, 2021, eligible schools and libraries can apply for financial support to purchase connected devices like laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity to serve the unmet needs for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons during the COVID-19 emergency period. During this application filing window, eligible schools and libraries, in addition to consortia of schools and libraries, can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
The FCC will host a captioned webinar on June 25, at 2 pm ET on fcc.gov/live to provide an overview of the Emergency Connectivity Fund, including applicant eligibility, supported equipment and services, reasonable support amounts, and the application and invoicing processes. No registration is required for this event. American Sign Language interpreting and other accommodations are available by submitting your request via e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530. Please include a detailed description of the accommodation needed. In addition, please include a way the FCC can contact you if it needs more information.
You can view an FCC Fact Sheet on the program by visiting: https://www.fcc.gov//sites/default/files/ecf_factsheet.pdf.
More information about the program is available at emergencyconnectivityfund.org, including information about how to apply and what schools and libraries can do now to prepare. Schools and libraries can sign up to receive programs updates and information about future training sessions. Help with program questions is also available by calling 800-234-9781 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
Links to News Release:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/emergency-connectivity-fund-application-window-opens-june-29
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-373265A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-373265A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-373265A1.txt