[OPLINTECH] Fwd: FCC Releases Emergency Connectivity Fund Order

[Don Yarman]

A quick explanation of the new Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. We will
be scheduling a library-specific webinar with Lorrie soon, with particular
attention to where CIPA-compliance does and does not apply in the use of
these funds.

                    Don Yarman
                    Director, Ohio Public Library Information Network
                    2323 W Fifth Ave Suite 130, Columbus OH 43204
                    don at oplin.ohio.gov | 614.728.5250

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Lorrie Germann <lgermann at ohiocsc.org>
Date: Thu, May 13, 2021 at 10:34 AM
Subject: FCC Releases Emergency Connectivity Fund Order


Good morning E-Rate Community,

This week, the FCC adopted rules for the Emergency Connectivity Fund
Program (ECF), providing $7.17 billion for schools and libraries to
purchase connected devices and broadband connections for use by students,
school staff, and library patrons *at locations other than a school or
library*.

While ECF is earmarked as E-Rate funds, this differs from E-Rate, which
provides broadband services delivered *to and within* schools and libraries.
However, in the interest of time, the ECF will leverage the FCC's
experience administrating the E-Rate Program.

The support provided through the ECF will first allow eligible schools and
libraries to seek funding for *upcoming* *purchases *of eligible equipment.
This includes Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and connected devices
(tablets and laptops), as well as advanced telecommunications and
information services to meet the remote learning needs of students, school
staff, and library patrons who lack access to connected devices and
broadband connections sufficient to engage in remote learning during the
upcoming school year.

USAC will soon open up a 45-day application window for funding requests for
purchases to be made between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, which aligns
with the coming school year and the E-Rate funding year.

 *If additional funding remains* available after the requests for future
purchases of eligible equipment and services, the FCC will provide a second
window to allow schools and libraries to apply for reimbursement of the
costs they have already incurred in purchasing eligible equipment and
services from March 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.

For more information on the ECF, I've provided a breakdown of the Order's
key points at https://www.ohio-k12.help/ecf/ecf-resource-library/.  I will
update the site as new information is received.

Also, I will be scheduling webinars to discuss details of the Order in the
upcoming weeks *and training sessions on the application process once USAC
updates the EPC portal and makes the applications available.  *

I know this is a hectic time as we're wrapping up this school year, but
please watch for my updates.  I will share information as it's received.

Sincerely,

Lorrie

*Lorrie Germann*
State E-Rate Coordinator
On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education
lorrie.germann at education.ohio.gov
www.ohio-k12.help/erate
Office: 740-223-2420
Cell: 740-253-1153
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