FCC Opens Comment Period on E-rate's Future

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a public comment period on a proposed rule that may alter or terminate the E-rate program. This 30-year-old program offers discounted internet services to schools and libraries.

The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on August 14, seeks to determine whether E-rate policy changes are necessary in light of concerns over screen time in schools. Alternatively, the program "should be limited or sunset" given "today's extensive connectivity rates." The public comment period will close on October 13.

E-rate has been a vital source of funding for schools, providing $10.5 billion in federal funds to school districts between 2021 and 2025. This makes it the fifth-largest pot of federal funds that schools receive. The program has undergone significant growth since its inception in 1996, when former President Bill Clinton signed the bipartisan Telecommunications Act.

In 1996, only 8% of public school classrooms had internet access, according to National Center for Education Statistics data. However, by 2003, this figure jumped to 93% of public school classrooms. The program has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide in schools.

A total of nearly 25,000 entities, including districts, schools, consortiums, and libraries, received $13.2 billion in total E-rate funds between 2021 and 2025. The majority of these funds went to school districts.

The Education and Libraries Network Coalition (EdLiNC), co-chaired by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the American Library Association, and the Bernstein Strategy Group, has released a statement urging the FCC to focus on E-rate's core goal of providing affordable and reliable internet access to schools and libraries.

"The FCC should not be focused on whether E-Rate has fulfilled its mission and should be terminated, or which communities deserve access to it - the question is how to strengthen and modernize one of the nation's most successful education and connectivity programs," EdLiNC's co-chairs said.

The FCC's proposed rule also asks whether schools should receive E-rate funding on the condition that they provide parents with a meaningful opportunity to opt their children out of screen-based instruction or screen use during the school day. However, E-rate advocates argue that the federal program only covers eligible internet services and equipment, and does not provide funds for school devices or content.

"Questions about curriculum, instructional practice, or student behavior should not be used to undermine a proven program that helps schools and libraries maintain the networks modern education depends on," the EdLiNC co-chairs said.

AASA is set to host a live virtual town hall on the E-rate proposal on September 9.

### E-rate Funding Breakdown

| Entity Type | Total Funds (2021-2025) | | --- | --- | | Districts | $9.4 billion | | Schools | $2.5 billion | | Consortiums | $500 million | | Libraries | $200 million |

Note: The figures above are based on the advocates' analysis and may not reflect the actual distribution of funds.