Updating the Federal Program That Connects Schools To The Internet

[Commentary] The 1996 Telecommunication Act tasked the Federal Communications Commission with proliferating Internet connectivity to schools and libraries through a program commonly known as E-Rate. Nearly 18 years later, the agency is beginning to reform the languishing program. E-Rate and policy changes at the state and federal level have enabled near universal Internet access at schools. Any reforms to E-Rate should be considered within the broader context of education reform. Schools have just begun adopting blended learning models that rely heavily on high-speed Internet access. The Common Core State Standards use computer-based assessments that require Internet access.

The following reforms to E-Rate program would help create the digital learning infrastructure necessary for a personalized learning revolution.

• Congress should move E-Rate from the Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC to a bureau within the Federal Communications Commission.
• FCC should replace subsidies of antiquated technologies with next-generation teaching tools.
• E-Rate should provide technical support to encourage districts to use free software instead of paying for expensive alternatives.
• The National Center for Education Statistics should also collect data on school Internet connectivity and average speeds.
• FCC should also negotiate the price of Internet service on behalf of districts and schools participating in E-Rate.

[Jan 2]