FCC may kill $2B program that connects schools and libraries to Internet
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering changes to the E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries pay for internet services. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr proposed possibly reducing or ending the program, saying students spend too much time on screens and schools now have better internet access than when the program started.Key Facts
- E-Rate is a $2 billion yearly program providing discounts for internet and telecom services in schools and libraries.
- The program began in 1997 to ensure schools and libraries had internet access.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr led a 2-1 vote to ask the public for opinions on changing or ending E-Rate.
- Carr said students increasingly spend many hours a day on screens, which motivated the review.
- The FCC draft asks if E-Rate should be limited or ended since many schools are already well-connected.
- Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC, opposed reviewing ending the program and warned the proposals show a misunderstanding of schools’ needs.
- A final FCC decision could come in a few months and might face legal challenges over the agency’s authority.
- E-Rate offers discounts of 20% to 90% for eligible telecom services and equipment used by schools and libraries.
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