OTI Statement on FCC’s E-rate Order for School and Library Connectivity

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to adopt a second E-rate modernization order, making further changes to the program that helps subsidize communications services for schools and libraries across the country. The order increases the size of the E-rate fund by $1.5 billion per year, providing much-needed additional support to these institutions to help them meet 21st century connectivity goals.

The following statement can be attributed to Danielle Kehl, Policy Analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“Schools and libraries need world-class, high-speed Internet service to provide their students and patrons with access to important, evolving digital resources, and the E-rate program plays a critical role in ensuring that they are able to meet rising demand. Since 1996, E-rate dollars have helped address the connectivity problem at schools and libraries, ensuring that over 96 percent of schools and 98 percent of libraries are connected to the Internet. But while they have access, many of those schools do not have adequate bandwidth to meet their growing needs. Now, the FCC is tackling the capacity gap and providing a much-needed injection of funding in a program that that has become increasingly strained in recent years. The latest changes will help schools and libraries meet the connectivity targets the FCC set this summer, ensuring that those institutions can meet the needs of their students and patrons today...and tomorrow.

“In July, we were encouraged that the FCC took a critical first step toward E-rate modernization by addressing Wi-Fi connectivity, streamlining the program and improving data collection practices. Today, we’re pleased to see the FCC follow through on further reforms aimed at addressing the underlying connectivity challenges that schools and libraries face. This is great news for schools and libraries across the country.”

Expert Contact

Danielle Kehl
Policy Analyst, Open Technology Institute, New America
kehl@newamerica.org

Media Contact

Jenny Mallamo
Media Relations Associate, New America
mallamo@newamerica.org