FCC wants to bring broadband to every student

New proposal would update E-Rate program to increase broadband to schools around the country

When it comes to education, it is pretty much essential that students can have access to the best information as quickly as possible. That means not only putting a computer in front of each student, but a computer with the best possible Internet connection. Yet, it is now 2013 and there are some students who still do not have access to a computer. And those that do have Internet access have slow connections. It is simply an unacceptable situation.

That might all change soon, thanks to a proposal from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) on Friday to review and modernize the E-Rate program, it was announced Friday. 

The E-Rate program, which was implemented in 1997, subsidizes Internet services for schools and libraries. In the 15 years since the program was passed, the FCC notes, this country has gone from only 14% of schools having Internet access to nearly 100%, with 97% of U.S. classrooms being connected.

Now, the goal has changed from getting students access to getting them quick access, and doing it at a low cost.

The proposed changes to the program are built around three goals, the FCC said: increasing broadband capacity, cost-effective purchasing, and streamlining program administration. 

The Commission is seeking comment on a range of issues and proposals having to do with updating the program, including: how to simplify rules on fiber deployment, how to increase consortium purchasing to drive down prices; how to increase transparency of prices and spending; how to improve the competitive bidding processes; how to reduce unused E-rate funding; how to speed up the review of E-rate applications and how to apply the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) to devices brought into schools and libraries and to devices provided by schools and libraries for at-home use.

The White House, which reportedly urged the update, seemed especially pleased by the proposed update, releasing the following statement:

"Today, the Federal Communications Commission took a first, important step toward realizing our vision of making 21^st century classrooms available to every student in America. Preparing our nation’s students with the skills they need to get good jobs and compete with countries around the world will rely increasingly on interactive, individualized learning experiences driven by new technology," the White House said.

"Our ConnectED initiative – which has widespread support from Republicans, Democrats, educators, business and tech leaders and state and local officials – will ensure that the federal government can provide schools with the infrastructure and tools they need to deliver this competitive digital education for every student in the United States."

(Image source: https://sitemaker.umich.edu)