Back in March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an internet subsidies program to help bridge the digital divide and ensure internet access for students studying remotely. Now, the FCC has expanded upon this program with a newly-approved $7.17 billion initiative to expand resources for remote learners.
Called the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, the program allows schools and libraries to purchase equipment to be used off-site by students in need and offers reimbursements for equipment already purchased during the pandemic. This equipment is intended for use by students lacking internet and connectivity resources at home and includes equipment such as hotspots, routers, tablets, and computers.
Many of us take for granted that we can complete work or school assignments from the comfort of our homes, but for the 40 million Americans who live without a reliable internet connection, the pandemic has seriously inhibited at-home learning. This funding will contribute to closing the digital divide and enhance students’ at-home learning capabilities even post-pandemic with digital resources.
