Schools and Libraries Urge FCC to Maintain E-Rate Program

<p>Schools and libraries across the United States have requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reconsider its proposal to end the E-Rate program, which provides $2 billion annually to connect students and library visitors to the Internet.</p><p>FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has expressed concerns regarding school districts, stating that they have "experimented with a massive increase in screen time for students." He argued that E-Rate has expanded beyond its original purpose of "supporting basic Internet access to schools and libraries for educational purposes." In June, Carr led a 2-1 vote to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks public input on whether E-Rate should be "limited or sunset to reflect today’s extensive connectivity rates."</p><p>Carr's proposal could lead to reductions in the discounts that schools and libraries receive for telecommunications services and equipment, as well as impose additional restrictions on the use of E-Rate funds. The FCC's inquiry into potentially discontinuing the program raises the possibility that Carr may decide to eliminate E-Rate altogether.</p>