FAQs
ELIGIBLE EQUIPMENT
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
WHAT IS THE EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND?
OVERVIEW
Latest Program News
March 23, 2022: The FCC announced that has opened a third application filing window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program to award at least $1 billion in remaining ECF support and address outstanding demand. The third application filing window will open on Thursday, April 28, 2022 and close on Friday, May 13, 2022. During this filing window, applicants will be able to submit ECF requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and up to 12 months of service between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023 for students, school staff, and library patrons with unmet needs.
The Commission also approved the 12th wave of ECF funding commitments to schools and libraries totaling $68 million to support over 140 schools and 25 libraries across the country.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, was signed into law on March 11, 2021. Included in the legislation is the creation of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) for broadband internet service and equipment to support remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new funding source consisting of $7.1 billion to be distributed through the federal E-rate program.
Initial Filing Window (“New Purchases”): There was an initial 45-day filing window for schools and libraries to seek reimbursement for eligible purchases made between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
Subsequent Filing Window: A second 15-day filing window for schools and libraries to seek reimbursement for eligible purchases made between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, opened September 28, 2021 and closed October 13, 2021.
OVERVIEW
What is the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)?
E-rate Eligible Schools and Libraries: Entities do not need to be currently participating in E-rate to apply for ECF.
Eligible Users: Support is eligible for students, school staff, and library patrons who otherwise did not or do not have Internet access (subject to certification for school applicants.) Appropriate user credentials are required for access to services.
Off-Campus Locations: Broadband connections are eligible anywhere education is occurring (except on school or library campuses).
OVERVIEW
Eligible entities, users, and locations
The following types of equipment are eligible for support under the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program:
- Laptop computers and tablet computers
- Wi-Fi hotspots
- Modems (including air cards)
- Routers
- Devices that combine a modem and router.
Desktop computers and smartphones are ineligible for Emergency Connectivity Fund Program funding.
Applicants may seek funding for:
- Up to $400 for each connected device (laptops & tablets)
- Up to $250 for each Wi-Fi hotspot provided to a student, school staff or library patron
- The reasonable costs of all other eligible equipment and services will be determined upon careful review by USAC with guidance from the FCC.
OVERVIEW
Eligible equipment

Q: Is a license to use a connected device eligible for ECF support?
A: Licenses, software, content filtering, and security services included in the price of the connected devices are eligible for support and do not require cost allocation. However, separately priced licenses are ineligible for ECF funding.
Q: Can applicants change their service provider and/or equipment make and model after they file their applications?
A: Yes, applicants may change providers, services, and equipment make/model. After a funding commitment decision letter (FCDL) has been issued, applicants will need to submit a request to change providers, services, and equipment through a Post-Commitment Request Form in the ECF Portal.
Please visit the USAC's Emergency Connectivity Fund website for additional information regarding the Post-Commitment Request process for applicants and service providers.
OVERVIEW
Frequently Asked Questions