Explore the most common questions regarding the Emergency Connectivity Fund
What is the Emergency Connectivity Fund? The FCC signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) on March 11, 2021. As a part of ARPA, Congress established the Emergency Connectivity Fund to provide $7.17 Billion in funding support to schools and libraries to help address the homework gap.The ECF is intended to ensure that students and educators in need of broadband connectivity have access to a connected device and telecommunication services sufficient to engage in remote learning.
Who is eligible to receive funding?
All schools, libraries and consortia that are eligible for the E-rate Program are also eligible for the ECF Program. This includes private schools and Tribal libraries with the proper documentation and credentials. Those who are not already participating in the E-rate program can still apply for the ECF.
Which users are eligible for support? The users that are eligible to receive ECF-funded equipment and services are students who lack access to a device aiding in remote learning, library patrons and school staff that provide educational services to students. This includes teachers and paraprofessionals that work with students in the classroom virtually. What are the eligible locations?
The ECF was created specifically for remote learning; therefore, all locations where education is occurring except for on school or library campuses are eligible.
When can I apply?
The FCC has determined to open a second window for purchases of eligible products and services made during the 2021-22 fiscal year. This 15-Day filing window will open on September 28, 2021 and close on October 13, 2021.
What will be the duration of the internet service reimbursement?
Internet service reimbursement will be for services delivered between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Services delivered after June 30, 2022 will not be covered by the initial or second application filing window.
Will there be competitive bidding mandates? There will be no FCC-mandated competitive bidding process, but applicants must certify compliance with state, local and Tribal procurement requirements.
What if demand for funding exceeds available funds?
If the demand happens to exceed available funding, requests will be prioritized based on the applicants E-rate Category One services discount rate. Rural schools and libraries will have a 5% adjustment increase. Schools and libraries entitled to a higher E-Rate discount will receive funding and priority will be given to applicants with the highest percentage of low-income students.
For more information you can review and download the full FCC FAQs list here.
