Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the E-Rate program to allow schools and libraries to buy Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet services that can be loaned to students and patrons off their respective campuses. The agency also seeks further comment on how to refine the E-Rate program rules to maximize funds without unfairly burdening applicants and providers. Public Knowledge commends the Commission for taking yet another critical step toward closing the digital divide.
The following can be attributed to Alisa Valentin, Broadband Policy Director at Public Knowledge:
“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became widely known that learning takes place both inside and outside of the physical classroom – and yet, millions of students are unable to gain the benefits of at-home learning because they do not have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. Today, the Commission rightly takes action to ensure that the opportunity to learn is not confined to a physical location by updating the Commission’s E-Rate rules so Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet services can be loaned to our youngest learners and library patrons off-premises. We commend Chair Rosenworcel for ensuring that policies are responsive to technological changes and present-day needs.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.