Media Contact: 
Paloma Perez
Paloma.Perez@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC OPENS SECOND FILING WINDOW FOR EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND TO HELP CLOSE HOMEWORK GAP 
Starting Today, Schools and Libraries Will Have 15 Days to Apply for Emergency Connectivity Fund Support
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WASHINGTON, September 28, 2021—Today, FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the opening of the second application filing window for the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund, the agency’s latest effort to connect students and library patrons with the equipment and broadband connections they need in the modern era.  From September 28 to October 13, eligible schools and libraries can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services received or delivered between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.  The funding can be used to purchase laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections to serve unmet needs for off-premises use by students, school staff, and library patrons.

“This is a second opportunity to help schools and libraries to meet the connectivity needs of students and library patrons for this school year,” Rosenworcel said.  “We just committed more than $1.2 billion in funding from the first round of applications in this program, supporting more than 3.6 million connections.  Reliable and affordable access to broadband is a must for all Americans.  It is especially critical for students to keep up with online homework assignments and remote learning so they can succeed in their education.  This program provides an important down payment on closing the Homework Gap and connecting more kids to broadband.”

The FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund, established by the American Rescue Plan of 2021, will help provide relief to millions of students, school staff, and library patrons and help close the Homework Gap for students who currently lack necessary internet access or the devices they need to connect to classrooms.  The FCC in May adopted the Report and Order outlining how the program would be administered.  The first application filing window, which ran from June 29 to August 13, attracted requests for $5.137 billion to fund 9.1 million connected devices and 5.4 million broadband connections.  Applications came from all 50 states, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia – including schools and libraries in both rural and urban communities.

On September 24, the FCC announced the first funding wave in the program committing over $1.2 billion to connect over 3.6 million students.  Additional funding commitments will be made on a rolling basis in the coming weeks.  The FCC is working hard to raise awareness of the program so more schools and libraries have an opportunity to participate.  You can find more information about the program at www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org or  www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund and instructions on how to apply at www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org/application-process. 

With the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, Congress has made an over $10 billion investment in getting American students and households online.  

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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).