As millions of students, school staff and library patrons struggle with digital access to the same educational resources, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Jessica Rosenworcel, recently proposed that Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet services be eligible for E-Rate funding.
“It should be the standard practice that students or anyone who can’t afford internet at home can check out a Wi-Fi hotspot from their local library,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “This update is how we’ll help close the Homework Gap and support folks on the wrong side of the digital divide so they can fully participate in modern civic and commercial life.”
“Whether at school, a library, or now at home, the E-Rate program gives students and educators a ticket to learning, growing, and connecting to opportunity through internet access. E-Rate is a critical piece of infrastructure that is helping close the digital divide for students and educators in an increasingly online learning environment. I applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the FCC’s effort to modernise the program, which I was proud to author more than two decades ago. I look forward to working with the Commission and my colleagues to see this necessary update to E-Rate come to fruition,” said Senator Markey.
Since 1996, the E-Rate programme has provided discounts to help schools and libraries secure affordable telecommunications and internet access. Over time, the programme has been updated to focus on delivering high-speed broadband to and within schools.
The Affordable Connectivity Programme, which created the nation’s largest broadband affordability initiative, connected 23 million households to high-speed internet at home. With the conclusion of this programme, many affected households may now need to rely on local schools or libraries to maintain internet connectivity for educational purposes.
The Report and Order, if approved by the full Commission during its 18 July Open Meeting, aims to further modernise the programme to ensure all students and library patrons have access to the internet necessary for a high-quality 21st-century education. The proposed updates include:
- Allowing schools and libraries to utilise E-Rate funding to lend Wi-Fi hotspots and support high-speed internet access for students, school staff, and library patrons in both rural and urban areas
- Implementing a budget mechanism that caps the amount of support an applicant can request for Wi-Fi hotspots and services over a three-year period. Should the demand for E-Rate support exceed available funding in a given year, eligible off-premises equipment and service requests will be prioritised after eligible on-premises category one and category two equipment and service requests
- Adopting several safeguards to maintain the integrity of the E-Rate programme, including measures to ensure that supported Wi-Fi hotspots and services are utilised, serve educational purposes, are not funded by other sources, and are properly documented for audit purposes
- Mandating compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act
In a response from industry, managed IoT connectivity services provider Kajeet commended the Hotspot Lending Proposal.
“Kajeet wholeheartedly supports the FCC’s Hotspot Lending Proposal,” said Ben Weintraub, CEO at Kajeet. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to provide equitable internet access to all students and community members, regardless of their location. We commend the FCC for recognising the urgent need for such measures and are optimistic about the positive impact this will have on bridging the digital divide.”
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