The US Federal Communications Commission has approved the final rules to implement the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. This will provide USD 7.17 billion to help schools and libraries purchase laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and broadband connectivity for students, school staff, and library patrons in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding was approved by Congress earlier this year as part of a wider economic relief package.
The funding comes in addition to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a separate programme to provide low-cost internet access to households. Together the two programmes are worth more than USD 10 billion.
The new rules define eligible equipment and services, service locations, eligible uses, and reasonable support amounts for funding provided. It designates the Universal Service Administrative Company as the program administrator with FCC oversight, and leverages the processes and structures used in the existing E-Rate programme for providing universal service to schools and libraries.
According to the FCC, as many as 17 million children are struggling without the broadband access they need for remote learning. The new funding is expected to address this gap and providing easy access to online equipment and services.
