The FCC is opening a third application filing window to award at least $1 billion in Emergency Connectivity Fund support. The window opens on April 28, and closes on May 13.
During this third window, eligible schools and libraries can submit requests for funding to buy eligible equipment and services between July 1 of this year and December 31, 2023. Given past demand, the third application filing window will likely be the last opportunity for schools and libraries to request funding before the remaining money runs out, according to the agency.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says the Commission is also providing a 12th round of funding for schools and libraries for this school year, supporting another 200,000 students with devices and broadband connections. “This program has done so much already and I look forward to seeing more students get the help they need for next year.”
The 18-month funding window will allow applicants to reap the full benefit of existing Emergency Connectivity Fund support. The money can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure students have the necessary support to keep up with their education.
Total commitments to-date have funded 10 million connected devices and 5 million broadband connections. Since its June 2021 launch, the program has connected over 12.5 million students with broadband connections and equipment. The most recent funding round committed nearly $68 million to support 140 schools and 25 libraries across the country, including for students in Alaska, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, and Puerto Rico.
Wednesday’s news includes $49 million in commitments from Window 1 applications and $19 million in commitments from Window 2 applications. Find details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments here. Learn how to apply here.
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