Question: I read the previous Current Events about the new FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) and contacted one E-rate consultant who said it wouldn’t be very useful and has a lot of restrictions. Is there more information or a quick fact sheet?
Answer: WCRIS contacts in D.C. have been encouraging of private school participation so that made it seem it was somewhat, and actually, useful. Yes, it is complicated. The law is new; the rules were just issued; the application period is just opening up. As more folks get access and try to use the ECF, we’ll find out if what you were told is true.
WCRIS has seen enough federal programs for long enough to know that interpretations (and help accessing them) varies. Often, a knowledgeable person open to private schools figures out a way to make these programs useful and the whole tune changes.
So, schools should continue to investigate if the program would work for them. Contact an e-rate consultant. Or, you can contact CESA 10, 11, or 12 because they have E-rate coordinators who can help you, regardless of where your school is located.
As a reminder, while you are investigating the program know that:
- Receiving funds from this program does count as federal financial assistance, triggering compliance with federal laws for the duration of participation in the program. This includes laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Children Internet Protection Act, among potentially others. Schools will have one year to comply if they are not already complying.
- Items purchased with ECF can only be used by students who are in need of connectivity for remote learning. Items purchased can not be used in a classroom setting.
- Internet access point usage by students at home may have to be monitored by the school.
- The ECF application is the same as the E-rate application.
