Cisco: E-Rate Should Target 1 Gbps In Schools By 2014

Network infrastructure company Cisco is recommending that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) put more emphasis on network infrastructure when it reforms the E-rate program.

"E-rate is the cornerstone of providing digital connection to students," said Renee Patton, director of public sector education for Cisco, but it is at a "crossroads." Cisco suggests the FCC should take the road that leads to greater investment in infrastructure and speed. "In too many schools the promise of connected classrooms is not a reality," she said.

Cisco recommended that the FCC should: 1) put more money into the program for the necessary services and equipment, 2) mandate baseline speeds, 3) support investment in "comprehensive, business-grade broadband and network solutions," and 4) eliminate the current priority on funding access service over investing in the network infrastructure used to provide that service.

"Schools need more flexibility in shaping their funding requests," said Patton.