Emergency Connectivity Fund: The Case for Flexibility and More Money

Congress took a significant step toward solving the digital divide when it created the Emergency Connectivity Fund in the spring of 2021, appropriating over $7 billion for schools and libraries to connect learners to broadband off campus. Interviews with nearly a dozen Emergency Connectivity Fund applicants reveal that, while there is room for improvement, the program as a whole seems to be working. The FCC has approved applications both large and small in almost every state in the country. Yet despite the Emergency Connectivity Fund’s apparent success, the FCC still needs to iron out some wrinkles. Only about a quarter of current E-rate participants applied for this funding, even though the program is open to most E-rate recipients. Unfortunately, many libraries and some schools were also discouraged from applying because of the FCC’s onerous record retention requirements. The fear of future audits chilled enthusiasm as well. Curiously, some of the most innovative Emergency Connectivity Fund applications have not yet been funded, or have been denied. Congress and the FCC have the potential to multiply the impact of the Emergency Connectivity Fund in the upcoming Build Back Better legislation. First and foremost, Congress should provide additional funding to sustain the program beyond the current school year, because remote learning won’t leave us any time soon. And just as importantly, the FCC should eliminate barriers to Emergency Connectivity Fund participation, as these challenges have prevented participation from the schools and libraries whose communities would benefit the most from support. Finally, we urge Congress and the FCC to allow schools and libraries to execute innovative connectivity solutions to connect the maximum number of school children and library patrons at the lowest possible cost.

[John Windhausen Jr. is the executive director of the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition. Alicja Johnson is the communications manager for the SHLB Coalition.]


Emergency Connectivity Fund: The Case for Flexibility and More Money