Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)
Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, was signed into law on March 11, 2021. Included in the legislation is the creation of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)
On Monday, May 10th the FCC unanimously approved the final rules to implement the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF). ECF will provide funding for increased broadband internet services, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, laptops and tablets for use by students, school staff, and library patrons at locations other than a school or library.
USAC will administer the program and the current E-rate platform will be used to distribute the funds. The first 45-day window for ECF will be announced by the FCC very soon. The ECF program will use the Erate Form 471 covering eligible expenses 7/1/2021-6/30/2022. If funds are not exhausted, the FCC will open additional window (s) to fund eligible expenses starting March 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 for past expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.