Digital 'homework gap' emerges as sticking point in coronavirus pandemic talks

Capitol Hill is locked in a fight over how much money to funnel to help students and teachers sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic get access to online learning, creating uncertainty for school districts as lawmakers and the White House rush to finalize a package of emergency measures. Millions of students are currently stuck at home as schools across the nation close, some without access to broadband internet and other tools needed to engage in remote learning. That's put sudden pressure on the Federal Communications Commission in its role as lead regulator providing connectivity subsidies to schools and libraries.The Trump administration and congressional leaders are in dialogue trying to land a stimulus package likely exceeding $1 trillion with the intention of proceeding to votes as soon as possible. But they remain odds over how to address the so-called digital homework gap, tussling over whether to slate money directly to the FCC’s existing E-Rate subsidy program or a new pilot program floated by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. He is seeking $50 million to implement this "off-campus connectivity pilot" aimed at expanding federal subsidies for wireless devices used outside of schools, according to a March 13 letter to congressional appropriators. He also requested $200 million for a telehealth pilot program aimed at expanding the availability of remote medical treatment nationwide. “This particular proposal is both timely and necessary,” Chairman Pai wrote in the letter. “Given schools are shuttering for weeks, our most important national asset — our young students — need online, in-residence access. Employees in many cases also must work from home in order to stem the spread of the disease, making clear the need for broadband access to support essential businesses and our overall economy.” Pai's letter also asks for $65 million to fund broadband data mapping efforts and $2 billion to help small US carriers replace gear made by Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE. While those funding requests are less directly tied to the coronavirus pandemic and follow two recently enacted laws on those matters, Chairman Pai said they've taken on new urgency amid a national emergency. But Democrats, who have placed a premium on addressing the digital Homework Gap in recent days, may want more money than the $50 million Chairman Pai is floating.