Updated
Updated · NPR · Jul 10FCC Weighs E-Rate Changes to Cut Schools' Internet Subsidies as Consumer Fees Fund the Program
3 articles · Updated · NPR · Jul 10Summary
- The FCC is considering changes to the E-Rate program, a federal subsidy that lowers internet bills for schools and libraries.
- Consumer telecom fees fund the program through the federal government, making any overhaul significant for schools that rely on those discounts.
- Brendan Carr, now FCC chairman, had called for ending E-Rate before President Donald Trump selected him for the post.
- The review signals possible pressure on a long-running support system for school connectivity, though no final policy change was detailed.
Insights
With a clean bill of health from auditors, why is the FCC proposing a dramatic overhaul of school internet funding? Could the FCC's plan to protect children online end up disconnecting the nation's most underserved schools?