FCC Expands E-Rate to Support Loaner WiFi Hotspots for Students

THE Journal of Education ^ | July 18 2024 | Rhea Kelly

[texas booster]

The Federal Communications Commission has officially approved an expansion of the E-Rate program that will allow schools and libraries to utilize E-Rate resources to loan out WiFi hotspots to students, school staff, and library patrons who lack internet access at home. The goal: ensuring that everyone has the connectivity needed for a 21st century quality education, the FCC explained in a news announcement.

"It should be the standard practice that students or anyone who can't afford internet at home can check out a WiFi hotspot from their local library," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, in a statement. "This update is how we'll help close the Homework Gap and support folks on the wrong side of the digital divide so they can fully participate in modern civic and commercial life."

The program approval comes with a few requirements, as detailed by the FCC:

Adoption of a budget mechanism that sets a limit on the amount of support an applicant can request for WiFi hotspots and services over a three-year period; If demand for E-Rate supports exceeds available funding in a given year, eligible on-premises category one and category two equipment and service requests are to be prioritized and funded before eligible off-premises equipment and service requests; Adoption of safeguards to protect the integrity of the E-Rate program, including measures to ensure the supported WiFi hotspots and services are in use, are used for educational purposes, are not funded through other sources, and are properly documented for auditing purposes; and Compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.

"We commend the FCC for working to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a connected world," commented John Harrington, CEO of Funds for Learning, a consulting firm specializing in E-Rate funding. "The approval of this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to the E-Rate program, aligning it with the realities of today's educational landscape. Learning extends outside the classroom or library to homes, while on the go, and in every community space. This move empowers schools and libraries to bridge the homework gap, providing students with the resources they need to succeed academically, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location."

"Until everyone has an affordable home internet connection, hotspots are a promising alternative in most communities — and America's libraries have proven success in lending them," noted American Library Association President Cindy Hohl. "Libraries are the go-to place for millions of people who need a connection to the internet and the technology to use it. Library hotspot lending programs bridge digital divides, closing the homework gap by equipping students to complete assignments and communicate with teachers, and enabling everyone — jobseekers, adult learners, and families — to connect with community services."

[texas booster]

Is this another vote grabbing tool, using federal monies to by hot spots for schools to give away?

And how will the magical compensation for the telecommunications industry occur? I see no details.

Are they a way to dump old wifi spots that otherwise have no value?

Or are these the new Hauwei technology so we can subsidize Chinese theft of our airwaves?

Knowing the Biden/Harris administration, some combination of dumb and bad.

[texas booster]

I no longer need to read government jargon, and have fallen out of the ability. Here is a link to the proposed rule:

Link to FCC Rule on Erate

[Recompennation]

Another way that this government sets up to ‘nick’ the next shamlection.
Giving away tools and probably following up with instructions.

[Lockbox]

E-Rate program to loan WiFi Hot Spots

Loan? Gift is more like it!

[Bob434]

Our local library, health center, shopping center, and boat dock (we live on a lake), all have free wifi- typing from the boat dock one right now. Use a good VPN though.

[texas booster]

There are MANs that can blanket a small town with wifi.

Why not just give a subsidy to Starlink, a proven and reliable method of Internet?

Because Elon, that’s why.

One more reason just to stop the old way of graft when Trump comes in.

[OldGoatCPO]

Read it, Congress approved the Act but its scope was limited. This expansion will cost more money. What I did not see in my cursory reading was where exactly the additional funding will come from. If they try to create fees paid on individuals internet bills, this could be shot down unless Congress specifically votes for the increased fees. I believe that recently another FCC action lost in court because the “fee” was a tax and only Congress can authorize taxes and the raising or lowering of taxes. Thank you SCOTUS. I have used those portable hot spots overseas, they ain't cheap. Convenient , great for Wi-Fi calls back home. Also a lot of room for abuse by criminal elements.

[aquila48]

Free!! Everything FREE!!

COME AND GET IT!

[FlingWingFlyer]

I guess they want to make sure that all of the Tater Tots get to watch Tater Swuft concerts and videos any time they need to.

[Lurker]

Of all the government programs I’ve ever been involved in E-Rate is the most fraud ridden of all.

L

[Jumper]

Vote buying just in time for November.

[texas booster]

ERate was really bad under Clinton, just dole passed out to their cronies.

Can’t imagine that it has gotten better under Obama or Biden.

Vote buying to the teacher unions.