Legislative Affairs

  • 1.  FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF): Apply before Aug 13

    Posted 07-28-2021 07:59
    The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act authorized $7.17 billion for a new FCC program, the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to help schools and libraries ensure students are connected to participate in online learning during the COVID-19 emergency period. The ECF application filing window is now open through August 13, 2021, during which eligible school and library applicants can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.

    Schools and libraries may apply for funding for: Eligible equipment including Wi-Fi hotspots, modems (including air cards), routers, devices that combine a modem and router, and connected devices (laptop and tablet computers). Schools and libraries can also receive funding for commercially available broadband service that provides a fixed or mobile broadband connection for off-campus use by students, school staff or library patrons. In limited instances, the FCC notes that if a school or library can demonstrate it has no available service options sufficient to support remote learning, it may seek funding for the construction of new networks to provide remote learning and the equipment needed for datacasting services as well. 

    If your district would like to apply for the ECF, please check out these resources:


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    ASBO USA
    asbousa@asbointl.org
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  • 2.  RE: FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF): Apply before Aug 13

    Posted 08-27-2021 10:32
    Edited by ASBO USA 08-31-2021 08:39
    This week, the FCC announced that it received $5.1 billion in requests for aid under the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) after the first application window closed on August  13.

    There will be a second window to apply for ECF funding, September 28 through October 13, for schools and libraries that missed the first window and would still like to seek support for their connectivity needs during the 2021-2022 academic year.

    If your district is interested in learning more about the ECF program, here are several resources to help prepare you for the application process before the second window opens. 



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    ASBO USA
    asbousa@asbointl.org
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