Lawmakers and Benton Center Criticize Carr's Wi-Fi Proposals
Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., slammed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s proposal to overturn the rule allowing schools and libraries to use E-rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hot spots to students and educators. Benton Senior Counselor Andrew Schwartzman criticized both that proposal and one to stop funding Wi-Fi on school buses (see 2509030064).
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“The Trump FCC will rip internet access away from students and educators across the country,” the lawmakers said late Wednesday. “This decision ignores the needs of American families and instead advances a damaging ideological crusade, ultimately harming students, pushing them to fall further behind their connected classmates, and widening the Homework Gap. It's unfair, unnecessary, and saves no money.”
Carr’s moves are “very unfortunate as they further signal that the Commission is no longer prioritizing closing the digital divide,” Schwartzman said. “In the 21st Century, education doesn’t stop when a student leaves school and today’s actions could lead to many students having a tougher time completing homework assignments because their families lack internet access.” Wi-Fi on school buses is “particularly helpful for students in rural areas that face long, daily commutes,” he said.