FCC Opens Second ECF Window for Schools and Libraries

Washington, D.C. (August 25, 2021) – Today the Federal Communications Commission announced that it will open a second filing window for schools and libraries to request future support from the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program. From September 28 to October 13, schools and libraries can apply for funding for the upcoming school year to cover broadband and devices for students and patrons who lack home internet access.

ALA provides tools for libraries to seek, use new digital divide funds   Public and tribal libraries (and K-12 schools) can begin applying today for funding to provide devices (e.g., hotspots, tablets) and broadband internet connectivity to library patrons otherwise lacking access to the internet. The application window for the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) opens June 29 and will stay open until August 13.   New PLA data shows that almost one-third (32.6%) of public libraries offer internet hotspots for check out; along with 17% circulating laptops and 15% circulating tablets to library patrons. With the ECF program, more libraries can make these resources available to those lacking access. Future equipment purchases are eligible for 100% reimbursement.   The ALA led library advocacy efforts for emergency funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which includes the ECF, and pushed for the Federal Communications Commission to develop ECF program rules in a way that protects library patron privacy and minimizes barriers to library participation. To assist libraries in navigating program challenges and leveraging program funds, the ALA has added several resources to its online ECF toolkit, which includes:   ALA Summary of FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Order Preparing to Apply for the ECF Program ALA Sample Acceptable Use Policy and Certification of Need ALA Summary on CIPA Compliance and the ECF Hotspots on the Road with Library Vehicles Click for these materials, FCC links, and more!

Emergency Connectivity Fund Summary

 

EBB Outreach Toolkit

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that beginning on May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. Emergency Broadband Benefit outreach toolkit materials are now available for download, and ALA has customized a press release and newsletter blurb for libraries. The FCC outreach toolkit is a collection of social media, printables, and other content to assist communities, outreach partners, and grassroots organizers in raising awareness about the Emergency Broadband Benefit. All of the printed materials, except the poster, are designed to be printed in color or grayscale and can easily be printed on home or small office printers. In addition to English and Spanish language versions of the materials, a fact sheet and two smaller printable handouts are available in Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Traditional Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. These tools are free to use and can be co-branded and/or adjusted to your voice. Please send any questions about the toolkit materials or the Emergency Broadband Benefit to broadbandbenefit@fcc.gov.

 

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• CIPA
• History of E-Rate
• Information From Other States

The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) web site is the most authoritative source of information and help for libraries in filing for E-Rate discounts. Check the site frequently for updated information..

Information on the Universal Service Fund

• Background
• Forms and Instructions
• Forms and Timeline
• Eligible Services List 

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Getting Started

• E-Rate: Getting Started
• E-Rate: Productivity Center
• E-Rate: Eligible Services List
• E-Rate: Glossary of Terms
• E-Rate: Weekly Schools and Libraries News Brief

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Forms and Instructions

• NJ DOE Free and Reduced Lunch Data
• SLD’s electronic filing page

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Background on the Universal Service Fund

On May 7, 1997, the Federal Communications Commission voted to adopt the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which provides discounts for telecommunications services to schools, libraries, and rural hospitals. The act was a major rewrite of federal telecommunications laws and has resulted in significant savings to libraries on a variety of telecommunications services. This program is popularly known as the “E-Rate”. Discounts are not automatic. In order to obtain discounts, libraries need to submit various forms to the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company.

Application Forms

The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) has been designated by the FCC as the agency to handle the FCC application forms needed to receive E-rate discounts. Libraries and consortia can file the forms electronically on the SLD web site. Form 470 is filed to let the SLD know that the library intends to apply for discounts, and to describe what services or products are needed. This information is posted to the SLD web site for a 28-day bid period. After the library signs a contract, Form 471 is filed to commit the discount money; and after service starts, Form 486 is filed for Receipt of Service Confirmation and Children’s Internet Protection Act Certification Form. Finally, Form 472 is filed to get reimbursement from vendors.

Federal Communication Commission sites

For FCC information about Universal Service Discounts:

• Federal Communications Commission Offers in depth coverage of all legislation associated with the Universal Service/E-Rate discounts
• E-Rate Central’s excellent summary of FCC decisions regarding E-Rate.
• LearnNet: The FCC’s Informal Education Page A one-stop update each day for those monitoring the FCC’s Universal Service (E-Rate) decisionmaking process.

Information From Other States

• Wisconsin State Library/Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
• New York State Library

Comments to: Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer, E-Rate Coordinator