FCC Announces $7.17 Billion in Funding for Schools

With an aim to close the gap in internet access between students nationwide, the FCC announced a massive funding initiative Tuesday.¹ The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program aims to grow the network capabilities of schools and libraries, and reimburse costs already incurred by a sudden transition to an online environment.  

While the internet has long been a crucial tool in education, it has become more important than ever in the last year.  

Yet, 14% of students don’t have at home internet access.² Without a reliable connection to the web, students are unable to access class or schoolwork. They are without the advantages connectivity brings; advantages most modern curriculums practically require.  

These funds – more than 7 billion dollars – will be earmarked for a wide variety of connectivity technologies, including routers, network hotspots, and handheld. Students will be able to bring their devices home with them.   

Maintenance, operational costs, and managed services will also be covered by the FCC plan, enabling schools to extend their network infrastructure to support the increased strain on capabilities.³ With 60 days to enact distribution, schools should be able to apply for funds in mid May or June.  

Learn more about this program, including eligible technologies, here.  

1. Writer, D. S. R. C., Rauf, D. S., Writer, C., David Saleh Rauf Contributing Writer David Saleh Rauf is a contributing writer with EdWeek Market Brief. E-mail drauf@educationweek.org, & David Saleh Rauf is a contributing writer with EdWeek Market Brief. (2021, March 28). The FCC's $7 Billion Fund to Address the 'Homework Gap': 6 Key Issues to Watch. Market Brief. https://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/fccs-7-billion-fund-address-homework-gap-6-key-issues-watch/.

2. USAFacts. (2020, October 19). More than 9 million children lack internet access at home for online learning. USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/internet-access-students-at-home/.

3. Federal Communications Commission . (2021, March 12). Rosenworcel Hails American Rescue Plan Funds to Close Homework Gap. Federal Communications Commission. https://www.fcc.gov/document/rosenworcel-hails-american-rescue-plan-funds-close-homework-gap.

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