Pai Proposes Emergency E-Rate Support for Schools, Libraries Affected by Hurricanes
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai proposed to assist hurricane-affected schools and libraries in restoring connectivity through the E-rate USF subsidy program. “Yesterday, I shared with my colleagues an emergency order that would help schools and libraries recover from the devastation of…
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hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria," he said in release Wednesday. "This order would provide targeted financial support to these institutions through the FCC’s E-rate program and give them maximum flexibility as they try to restore connectivity. It would also make available additional funds to schools that are serving a substantial number of students displaced by this season’s hurricanes. Once my fellow commissioners have had the opportunity to review this proposed order, I hope they will be able to quickly vote to support this relief.” The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition lauded Pai's announcement. "While we have not seen the Chairman's proposal, the SHLB Coalition is very pleased that Chairman Pai has proposed to offer flexible E-rate support to schools and libraries in the areas devastated by the recent hurricanes," said Executive Director John Windhausen. "Fully functioning schools and libraries can help communities get back on their feet and bring hope to struggling families. Restoring Internet access to the schools and libraries can connect teachers, students and families to the world, allowing them to obtain access to essential information to aid the reconstruction effort."