Media Contact: Will Wiquist will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC REMINDS SCHOOLS & LIBRARIES: EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND WINDOW CLOSES IN 48 HOURS Agency Encourages Applications for Funding for Remote Learning -- WASHINGTON, August 11, 2021—Today, FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called on schools and libraries to complete their applications for the Emergency Connectivity Fund for remote learning resources. The $7.17 billion program’s application window closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, August 13. “Far too many students are struggling to connect to modern education resources online – a terrible reality that only became starker during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I want to strongly encourage schools and libraries with remote learning needs in their communities to apply for this new funding for the upcoming school year,” said Rosenworcel. “The FCC stands ready to support these institutions and is here to answer any questions they may have about this unique program that can help us close the digital divide.” How to Apply – The Emergency Connectivity Fund enables eligible schools, libraries, and consortia of eligible schools and libraries, to submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services received or delivered by June 30, 2022. The funding is available for the purchase laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons, and is available to support off-campus leaning, such as homework, even if schools have returned to full time in-person instruction. Applicants must use or establish an account using an FCC registration number, a SAM.gov registration, and an account with the ECF program portal. They then fill out ECF FCC Form 471 with contact info, info about the entity applying – including estimated counts of students with unmet needs, the funding request, and certification. This process is detailed at: https://go.usa.gov/xFPXy. Info and Next Steps – More information on the Emergency Connectivity Fund program is available at: www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company, with oversight from and under rules unanimously adopted by the Federal Communications Commission. Following the close of the application window and thorough review of the applications by USAC, preliminary and final results of the application window will be announced publicly. Decisions as to the viability, timing, and parameters of any further window(s) will be made following that thorough process. ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).