FCC Reviews $3 Billion E-Rate Program as 73% of U.S. Libraries Risk Internet Funding
Updated
Updated · IndyStar · Sep 3
FCC Reviews $3 Billion E-Rate Program as 73% of U.S. Libraries Risk Internet Funding
3 articles · Updated · IndyStar · Sep 3
Summary
Oct. 13 is the deadline for initial public comments as the FCC weighs whether to keep, change or sunset the 30-year-old E-Rate program that subsidizes internet access for schools and libraries.
The review targets a program that delivers about $3 billion in annual discounts, with reimbursement rates of 20% to 90% and support reaching 73% of public libraries and 96% of U.S. public schools.
FCC officials say a top-to-bottom review is needed to test efficiency, fairness and compliance with child-safety goals, while Chairman Brendan Carr has tied the debate to screen-time concerns and the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Libraries and some commissioners warn cuts would hit low-income and rural communities hardest; Indiana alone received more than $242 million in E-Rate discounts over the past four years, and Indianapolis Public Library gets about $220,000 annually.
After reviewing comments through Nov. 12 replies, the FCC will draft recommendations and vote on a Report and Order, a process that could take three months to a year.