FCC Gets More Than $2.8B in ECF Funding Requests

The FCC received more than $2.8 billion in funding requests during the third and final round of Emergency Connectivity Fund support, said a news release Wednesday (see 2203240054). More than 7,000 schools, 628 libraries and 133 consortiums sought funding for more than 5 million devices and more than 4 million broadband connections. The FCC expects to fund "many" of the requests, adding it will prioritize applicants "with the greatest need" and those located in rural areas first. “The continued interest in the [ECF] demonstrates ... far too many kids across the country need off-campus support to get online and keep up with their schoolwork," said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.