News
A new proposal would add funding for at-home hotspots in the E-Rate program run by the FCC.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced a proposal that would unlock E-Rate funding for home use of Wi-Fi hotspots.
The FCC’s E-Rate program, which has provided discounts to help school and libraries obtain internet access, might be getting an overhaul in July.
A new proposal from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel seeks to allow schools and libraries to use E-Rate funding to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots. The proposal, formally a Report and Order, will be voted on at the FCC’s July 18 meeting, according to a June 26 release from Rosenworcel’s office.
In comments included with the release, Rosenworcel said it should be standard practice to allow students “or anyone who can’t afford internet at home” the ability to check out a Wi-Fi hotspot from their local library.
“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,” Rosenworcel said.
The proposal has already earned the support of Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA).
“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,” he said in comments provided to the media by Rosenworcel’s office. “I applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the FCC’s effort to modernize the program.”
According to the release, Rosenworcel’s proposal has urgency because of the lapse of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
“The Affordable Connectivity Program, which established the country’s largest broadband affordability program, helped connect 23 million households to high-speed internet at home,” the release stated. “Now that that program has ended, many impacted households may now need to turn to local schools or libraries to stay connected for education.”
The proposal, if approved, would include a budgetary limit on the amount of support that an applicant can request for Wi-Fi hotspots over a three-year period.
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