The FCC released the final rules for the $7.171 Billion Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) on May 10, 2021. Final rules were released May 11, 2021. Funds will be available to eligible schools and libraries for support of equipment and services at locations other than the school or library during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- FCC To Launch $7.17 Billion Connectivity Fund Program; New Program Provides Funding to Schools and Libraries Critical to Closing the Homework Gap
- FCC Report and Order Emergency Connectivity Fund – Final Rules 5/11/2021
- Statement of Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel
- Statement of Commissioner Brendan Carr
- Statement of Commissioner Nathan Simington
- Commissioner Geoffrey Starks Applauds Unanimous Adoption Of Emergency Connectivity Fund Order
Eligibile equipment includes:
- Wi-Fi hot spots;
- Modems;
- Routers;
- Devices that combine a modem and a router; and
- Connected devices.
Eligible services include:
- For purposes of this subpart, except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, services eligible for Emergency Connectivity Fund support shall be commercially-available fixed or mobile broadband services, including those available for purchase by schools and libraries through bulk purchasing arrangements.
- For eligible entities unable to provide students, school staff, or library patrons commercially-available fixed or wireless broadband services, services eligible for Emergency Connectivity Fund support shall include the costs of construction of new networks, including self-provisioned networks included in the Emergency Connectivity Fund eligible services list.
