Federal Communications Commission To Give Over $96 Million in Emergency Connectivity Funding

The Federal Communications Commission is committing $96 million in new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program (ECP), which provides digital services for students in communities across the country. The funding will support applications for broadband service and connected devices to students across the country, especially those living in states impacted by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, including Florida, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina. Nearly $53 million will benefit students, teachers, and library patrons living in areas impacted by recent hurricanes. For example, the Puerto Rico Department of Education is receiving support for 225,000 mobile hotspots, and Pinellas County Schools near Clearwater, Florida is receiving support for nearly 15,000 laptops. The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure students across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education.