FCC releases funding, starts broadband benefit program to aid schools, libraries, rural and low-income residents
Author
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
During the week of May 10, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a final rule to implement $7.1 billion in funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program and also launched the $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. The EBB and ECF were established under the two most recent federal COVID-19 relief packages and aim to provide new technology and broadband internet access to low-income households and libraries and schools in rural or low-income areas. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the digital divide impacting counties across the nation, with rural and low-income students in particular facing barriers to remote learning. The FCC funds represent an important bridge for schools, libraries and low-income households as counties and our federal partners work to implement long-term solutions to the digital divide.
On May 10, the FCC adopted the final rule for the ECF, which was established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This competitive grant program will allow schools and libraries to purchase laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots and broadband connectivity for students, school staff and library patrons in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, with priority given to currently unconnected students and educators. The application window will open in the next 30-60 days.
Additionally, on May 12, the FCC launched the EBB Program. The $3.2 billion program, established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, provides support for broadband services and certain devices to help low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide discounts of up to $50 for internet service for low-income households and discounts of up to $75 for service on tribal lands. Eligible residents will also have the opportunity to receive a discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the FCC’s EBB information page.
NACo will continue to monitor federal actions related to access to broadband connectivity.
For more information on programs in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, view NACo’s new funding breakdown interactive tool.
Resource
Support the Extension of the Emergency Connectivity Fund
Related News
Counties eligible for $787 million in DOT PROTECT grants to build disaster-resilient surface transportation
Counties are eligible for federal PROTECT grants that fund projects engaged in building surface transportation systems that are resilient to weather events natural disasters.
Senate funding proposal would create transportation funding cliff for counties
On August 8, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a proposal to extend government funding and many expiring program authorities until December 11, 2026. Notably, this bill would provide a short-term extension of many federal surface transportation programs authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (P.L. 117-58). However, the bill would not extend the advance appropriations for many transportation programs made in Division J of the IIJA. This means that many programs would lose portions of their funding, while many other programs would have their funding lapse altogether.
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to reauthorize or extend key programs
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to prioritize reauthorizing or extending key programs for counties ahead of September deadline