ECF will reimburse up to the following caps:
If procuring wi-fi hot spots, service providers usually bundle the cost of the device in with the data service charges.
Are taxes included as part of the $400 maximum for connected devices?
No. Taxes are not included as part of the $400 cap for connected devices, but reasonable fees will be included within the $400 amount.
Limits on ECF support: To maximize limited funds, a library or school cannot receive ECF support for more than one fixed (i.e., wired) internet connection per location (¶54). A library or school also cannot receive support for more than one Wi-Fi hotspot or device per patron or student who lacks adequate internet connectivity. However, there is no per-location limit on hotspots (¶55). For example, a household with an adult library patron and a school student can get two hotspots.
Prioritization: If funding demand exceeds the funds available, the FCC will prioritize requests based on an applicant’s E-Rate discount rate for category one services (i.e., broadband and internet access) with an added 5% increase for rural applicants. Schools and libraries with higher discounts will receive funding before those with lower discounts. This means that applicants in the lower discount bands may receive no funding. Many parties, including ALA, requested that if funds are not sufficient the FCC should provide a prorated amount of funding to all applicants, but it declined to do so (¶91).
If your application is funded, you will need to complete a Form 472, modified for the ECF program, to get your reimbursement. You will need to make sure to keep invoices handy to complete the reimbursement. The reimbursement will be direct deposited--no paper checks.