U.S. Schools and Libraries Oppose FCC Plan to Scale Back E-Rate

Schools and libraries are urging the Federal Communications Commission to preserve E-Rate, a $2-billion-a-year programme that helps pay for internet service and equipment. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed asking whether the programme should be restricted or ended, though the American Library Association says the FCC lacks authority to terminate it.

Slashdot has reported:

Schools and libraries across the United States have asked the Federal Communications Commission to abandon a proposal that could reduce or end E-Rate, the $2-billion-a-year programme that helps connect students and library visitors to the internet. The FCC’s proposal could cut discounts for telecommunications services and equipment, add restrictions on how funds are spent, or lead to the programme being ended.

In June, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr led a 2-1 vote to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on whether E-Rate should be “limited or sunset to reflect today’s extensive connectivity rates.” Carr has criticized school districts for having “experimented with a massive increase in screen time for students.” He has also said E-Rate grew beyond its original purpose of “supporting basic Internet access to schools and libraries for educational purposes.”

The National Association of Elementary School Principals told the commission that it “strongly supports the continued operation of the E-Rate program and urges the Commission to reject proposals that would eliminate, substantially restrict, or impose new conditions on this essential source of connectivity assistance for schools and libraries.”

The American Library Association said the FCC cannot end E-Rate because Congress mandated the programme and assigned the commission to administer it. “Importantly, the FCC does not have the authority to terminate the E-Rate program. The E-Rate program is mandated by Congress, and the FCC is responsible for administering it,” the association said in its filing.

The library association also argued that the FCC lacks authority and expertise to regulate screen time or decide educational outcomes. It cited U.S. law stating that decisions about content deemed inappropriate for children “shall be made by the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority responsible for making the determination.”

The Carr-led FCC already reduced E-Rate funding last year by ending support for schools and libraries lending Wi-Fi hotspots and for Wi-Fi service on school buses. The current proceeding seeks public comment on whether to further limit or sunset the programme.