Today the Federal Communications Commission and the Universal Services Administration Company released the total funding requested during the Emergency Connectivity Fund filing window. In total applicants requested an estimated $5.137 Billion dollars of the available $7.12 Billion. Leaving am estimated remainder of $1.9 Billion in funding.
As was expected, the FCC and USAC simultaneously announced that there would be a second filing window to request funding from the remaining amount. For all those that were unable to filing during the first window, there will be a second window: September 28 through October 13, 2021.
With the uncertainty surrounding the future of the 2021-2022 school year, it is recommended that if you did not participate in the first application window, that serious consideration is given to applying in the second window. Rules for the funding requests remain unchanged from the first round of funding. The request for funding must be for new equipment or services, purchased after July 1, 2021. There is still no word from the FCC or USAC regarding purchases prior to July 1, 2021. However, it is a safe assumption that a second funding window will deplete the program of its funds, and there will not be a window to request funds for equipment/services purchased prior to July 1, 2021.
The FCC and USAC did not state that applicants from the first window were prohibited from filing again in the second window. If additional needs are required or requested, now is the time to formalize the request and apply for funding. If an applicant was unable to file in the first window, it is highly advised to begin the process of gathering the required information to complete the filing as quickly as possible.
Infinity assisted more than 100 clients during the first filing window, many of which are already wave ready and awaiting their Funding Commitment Decision Letters. If you would like assistance with filing your ECF, Infinity can help. Please reach out to your Business Development Manager and we will work with you to gather the needed information for a successful ECF filing.
Let us navigate the complicated funding, technology design, and project administration processes for you, while you focus on what matters most – your students!
