FCC Seeks Comment on Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close Homework Gap

To help schools and libraries provide devices and connectivity to students, school staff, and library patrons during the pandemic, Congress established a $7.171 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund as part of the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the American Rescue Plan or Act). Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate rules providing for the distribution of funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund to eligible schools and libraries for the purchase of eligible equipment and advanced telecommunications and information services for use by students, school staff, and library patrons at locations other than a school or library. The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the provision of support from the Emergency Connectivity Fund consistent with section 7402 of the American Rescue Plan.

WC Docket No. 21-93

Comments Due: April 5, 2021 Reply Comments Due: April 23, 2021