Schools across US protest FCC plan that could disconnect kids from Internet
FCC chair threatens E-Rate fund, blames schools for kids' excessive screen time.
Schools and libraries across the United States are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abandon plans to end the E-Rate program, a $2 billion-a-year initiative that provides internet access to students and library visitors. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has expressed concern over schools experimenting with increased screen time for students and claims that the E-Rate program has expanded beyond its original objective of supporting basic internet access for educational purposes.
In June, Carr played a pivotal role in a 2-1 vote to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), soliciting public input on whether E-Rate should be limited or terminated to align with today's high connectivity rates. Carr's proposal could lead to reduced discounts for schools and libraries on telecom services and equipment, as well as tighter restrictions on the use of E-Rate funds.
The FCC's pursuit of comment on whether to sunset the program also hints at the possibility of Carr choosing to discontinue E-Rate entirely.
Written by urgent.news from Ars Technica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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