Lawmakers urge FCC to improve Internet access in schools, libraries

House lawmakers urged Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski to focus on improving high-speed Internet access in schools, libraries and health clinics as his agency prepares to overhaul its Universal Service Fund (USF).

Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-MA), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) argued that poor and vulnerable citizens are especially likely to turn to such "anchor institutions" to access the Internet. They said anchor institutions, which include community colleges, four-year colleges, healthcare centers and community media outlets, need high-capacity broadband networks to meet the needs of their users. "To better serve these institutions, the FCC should recognize the unique needs of these institutions and should consider ways to require broadband providers that receive USF support to build-out broadband networks in rural areas to deploy high-capacity broadband to anchor institutions," the lawmakers wrote. "This will ensure anchor institutions have the high-speed Internet access they need to enrich their communities and stimulate economic growth across the nation."