From: telecomdigestsubmissions@remove-this.telecom-digest.org   
      
   by Steven A. Augustino and Belen Crisp   
      
   On May 10, 2021, the FCC unanimously adopted final rules in a Report   
   and Order to implement the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund   
   Program ("ECF Program"). The ECF Program is a fund that enables   
   "schools and libraries to purchase laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi   
   hotspots, and broadband connectivity for students, school staff, and   
   library patrons in need during the COVID-19 pandemic." The ECF Program   
   was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 signed by President   
   Biden in early March. Along with the Emergency Broadband Benefit   
   Program ("EBB Program"), the ECF provides significant,   
   pandemic-related expenditures addressing the digital divide, funded   
   outside of the existing federal Universal Service Fund programs.   
      
   https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/telecoms-mobile-cable-commun   
   cations/1068400/fcc-meets-statutory-deadline-adopts-report-and-o   
   der-establishing-emergency-connectivity-fund-program-rules?email_access=on   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)