The E-rate modernization proposal to be considered by...
The E-rate modernization proposal to be considered by the FCC July 11 would “update and improve the program, making E-Rate dollars go farther, and streamlining the program to make it faster, simpler, and more efficient,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said…
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in a blog post (http://fcc.us/1mO4SEE) Monday. “The proposal would also close the gap for Wi-Fi support that currently exists in the program -- a change that would enable an additional 6 million children, disproportionately in rural areas, to access Wi-Fi and the 21st Century educational tools it enables during the 2015 funding year.” Wheeler’s proposal calls for setting aside $1 billion annually for each of the next five years for broadband or Wi-Fi connectivity within schools and libraries (CD June 26 p5). Urban areas have historically received nearly 60 percent of internal connections support despite having fewer than 30 percent of all students, while rural applicants are crowded out, he wrote. With improved rules, over the next five years Wi-Fi funding for rural schools would be increased by 75 percent. Urban schools will also do better, seeing an increase in support of 60 percent, he wrote.