Third ECF Window to Open in April

On March 23, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice announcing it will open a third application window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).  The window will open on April 28, 2022, and close on May 13, 2022. 

The Commission estimates a minimum of $1 billion will be available for commitment and disbursement in this window.  Eligible schools and libraries may only request funding for a maximum of 12 months of eligible services and equipment that will be received or delivered between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.  Consequently, the service delivery date for equipment, other non-recurring services, and recurring services requests submitted during the third application filing window will be December 31, 2023.

More than $6.4 billion in funding requests were filed during the first two ECF application filing windows. If demand exceeds the available funding in the third window, requests will be prioritized based on applicants’ E-Rate Program discount rate for category one services, adjusted to provide a 5 percent increase for rural schools and libraries.

In a news brief issued with the public notice, the Commission states that it believes this will be the last filing window for the ECF program before the funds are depleted.