Off‐Campus Internet Connectivity Needs of K‐12 School Students and Public Library Patrons in the United States During COVID‐19 Pandemic

A report that summarizes the need to connect millions of K‐12 students to the Internet from their home because they lack adequate internet access. These students cannot attend school, submit homework, or take tests online. An estimated $7.5 billion is required to provide these students with a secure and reliable network connection and connected learning device. Funds For Learning estimates that a total of $5.25 billion in E-rate discounts would be required, and the remaining $2.29 billion would be paid by schools and libraries with funding from other sources. The report also describes how the E‐rate program can swiftly and securely deliver funding to schools and libraries. The program already supports goods and services used for educational purposes. Applicants are familiar with its procedures, and the program offers transparency and financial oversight. All that is necessary is for the FCC to take the following three steps : (1) clarify that educational  purposes  includes  off-campus  educational  activity,  (2) expand  Category  Two  funding  to  include  off‐campus connections and learning devices, and (3) instruct the program administrator, USAC, to process  applications and invoice  paperwork  using a “Rapid Review and  Payment Process”  that  relies  solely on certifications made by program participants.