Emergency Connectivity Fund Program
Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF)
The new program – known as the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (or ECF Program) – provides a total of $7.17 billion in funding to specifically address remote connectivity issues for students and teachers.
In doing so, the program seeks to close the homework gap by providing funding for things like Chromebooks, laptops, tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, routers, and broadband connectivity equipment for off-campus use by students and staff.
While this new wave of funding can’t be used to pay for devices that will be used solely at schools, it can be used for items that will be used in both home and school settings. The new program also states that eligible equipment must be used primarily for educational purposes.
Who is eligible for ECF Program Funding?
All schools and libraries eligible for
E-Rate funding are also eligible for funding under the ECF Program. In general, elementary schools, secondary schools, private schools, and religious schools are all eligible to receive E-Rate funding as long as they have an endowment of less than $50 million and are not-for-profit.
Unlike standard E-Rate funds, the ECF program is available to all qualifying schools independent of the number of students receiving free and reduced lunch or the school’s urban or rural status.
What devices are covered?
Devices covered under the ECF Program include:
- Connected devices (such as Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets)
- Wi-Fi hotspots
- Modems
- Routers
- Devices that combine a modem and a router
What devices are NOT covered?
While the ECF Program is designed specifically to cover devices not previously covered by E-Rate funding, there are a number of devices not covered by the new law.
Devices not covered by the ECF Program include:
- Smartphones
- Desktop computers
- Video-conferencing devices
How Much Funding is available?
For E-Rate services (such as in-school connectivity), there is no explicit funding cap as stated by the FCC, though it does say the price for services must be “reasonable” and will be reviewed and approved by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
USAC will also be responsible for reviewing and approving requests for ECF funding as outlined below:
- $250 for Wi-Fi hotspots
- $400 for all other eligible devices
How to apply for ECF Program funding
It was recently announced that the first application window for ECF funding will open on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. The FCC and the USAC have said they will provide advance notice to help eligible schools prepare and take advantage of the program when the time comes.
Once open, the first funding application window will remain open for 45 days, during which applicants will be able to submit funding requests for purchases made between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
For additional information and help applying for the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF Funds), contact Entre Technologies at (413) 736-2112 or contact us online.
Entre Technologies is a leader in technology, support and IT solutions. We specialize in IT, project management, repair services, staffing and support services. We're located in Western Massachusetts and support companies and organizations throughout the North East and Nationwide.
