Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)

In March, 2021, Congress passed a new, one-time $7.1 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund to ensure that all K-12 students, educators and library patrons have sufficient broadband for off-campus remote learning. In May 2021, the FCC issued final program regulations and the initial 45-day application window was open from June 29, 2021 – August 13, 2021 to cover equipment and services for Funding Year 2021.  A second, 15-day application window was open from September 28, 2021 – October 13 to also cover equipment and services for Funding Year 2021.  A third application window was open from April 28, 2022 – May 13, 2022 to cover equipment and services for Funding Year 2022.  Qualifying expenses, including laptop and tablet devices and internet access services for those lacking sufficient internet and connected devices are 100% reimbursable with minor limitations.  While applicants apply and seek reimbursement using the E-rate One Portal System and forms resembling the existing E-rate forms, the ECF program is entirely separate from the federal E-rate program which funds broadband and internal connections on school/library campus.  The program will expire on June 30, 2024. Complete program details can be found below.

ECF Funding Year 2021 

  •    Application Window 1:  June 29, 2021 – August 13, 2021
  •    Application Window 2:  September 28, 2021 – October 13, 2021
  •    Service/Equipment Delivery Deadline:  June 30, 2023
  •    Reimbursement Deadline:  60 days from FCDL, RFCDL or Service Delivery Deadline, or October 30, 2023, whichever is later (updated 8/15/2023)

ECF Funding Year 2022 

  •    Application Window 3:  April 28, 2022 – May 13, 2022
  •    Service/Equipment Delivery Deadline:  June 30, 2024
  •    Reimbursement Deadline:  60 days from FCDL, RFCDL or Service Delivery Deadline, whichever is later (generally August 29, 2024)

New Construction Projects (FY 2021 and FY 2022):  

  •    Construction must be completed within 1 year of FCDL.  Invoice deadline is 60 days from this deadline, regardless of funding year.
  •    Recurring services associated with a new construction funding request have until June 30, 2024 to receive services if the FCDL or approved RFCDL for the new construction services was dated on or after July 1, 2022.

Updates and Data Analysis: 


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