Call Us at

888.522.8096

Email Us at

dcp@e2eexchange.com

Call Us at

888.522.8096

Email Us at

dcp@e2eexchange.com

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.

Phone

Contact Form

Eligible Items: (100% Covered up to allowable caps)

  • Equipment – $250 cap on Wi-Fi hotspots – One device per student allowed No Allowance for breakage or spares

    • Wi-Fi hotspots
    • Modems (e.g., air cards)
    • Routers
    • Devices that combine a modem and router

     Connected Learning Devices – $400 cap per devices, one device per student, no allowance for breakage or spares

    • Connected devices (laptop computers and tablet computers)

     Broadband1 hotspot per user or 1 fixed connection to the home

    • Commercial Broadband Internet
    • Installation, activation, fees & taxes

    *only staff responsible or involved in the education/instruction of students at locations other than a school or library are eligible to receive devices or services for off campus use includes school buses and bookmobiles.

     

    Competitive bidding is not a requirement, but applicant must follow local and state procurement regulations.  Funding will start to be issued within 15 days after window closing.  CIPA is required and a 10-year documentation retention period is required. 

    Keep in mind that this application window will use the Erate platform but will not follow the same Erate application procedures you may be familiar with.

Call Now Button