Acting FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Unveils Proposed Rules for Emergency Connectivity Fund

Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated and released to the public a draft Report and Order that, if adopted, would establish the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, pursuant to section 7402 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program would reimburse schools and libraries for the purchase, during the COVID-19 pandemic, of laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots and other eligible equipment as well as broadband connections for students, school staff, and library patrons who would otherwise lack access to connected devices and broadband service during this unprecedented time. In light of the approaching statutory deadline, the urgency surrounding pandemic relief, and the FCC's desire to receive targeted and timely input from a broad cross-section of the affected public, Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced that extraordinary circumstances exist to warrant the discretionary release of the draft Report and Order, including draft rules, to the public.