FCC Proposes Framework for New Off-Campus Connectivity Fund (ECF)

March 19, 2021

Attached: ECF Public Notice Summary

This week, the FCC issued a Public Notice that proposes a framework and lists outstanding questions for the new $7 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) that will provide funding to bring Internet access to off-campus locations of students, staff and library patrons.  I have summarized the PN by major topic areas in the attached document.

The Public Notice is just a set of proposals – not the final rules.  The FCC is now seeking public comments which are due by April 5, 2021; reply comments are due by April 23.  If you have opinions on their proposals or would like to answer their questions, I encourage you to submit comments to the Commission (details below).  The FCC intends to issue final rules for the new program by May 10, 2021.

To Submit Comments to the FCC

https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings

Proceeding to reference:  21-93

Type of filing:  Comment

Your comments don’t have to answer every question or provide feedback on every topic.  But if you feel strongly about any specific issue, I encourage you to upload a letter to the FCC by April 5.

– Julie

Julie Tritt Schell
Pennsylvania E-rate Coordinator
717-730-7133 – o
jtschell@comcast.net
www.e-ratepa.org