The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently passed a new law that supports an existing E-Rate Program for schools to take advantage of called the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF Program). This program provides a total of over $7 billion in funding to focus specifically on connectivity issues with students and educators.
The ECF Program has provided a second window for applications that will open from Tuesday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 13, 2021.
How to apply for the ECF Program?
The first application window for ECF funding was from June 29 - August 13, 2021. The second funding window allows eligible schools and libraries to apply for financial support to purchase connected devices like laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons during the COVID-19 emergency period.
More information about the program is available at emergencyconnectivityfund.org, including information about how to apply. Schools and libraries can sign up to receive programs updates and information about future training sessions. Help with program questions is also available by calling 800- 234-9781 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST.
When applying for ECF funding for CTL devices, you’ll need CTL’s ‘SPIN’ number. This number is registered to ‘Computer Technology Link Corp.’: CTL’s SPIN number is 143044082.
For more information regarding the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, read more here about what ECF provides, which organizations qualify and what devices are covered through the ECF Program.
