FCC Chairman Wheeler Proposes Landmark E-Rate Modernization

Chairman Tom Wheeler circulated an E-Rate Modernization proposal to his fellow Commissioners to revitalize the E-Rate program for the world of personalized learning.

During the past 18 years, E-Rate has helped transform schools’ and libraries’ access to modern communications networks. But educational connectivity has changed: whereas once it was revolutionary to connect a computer lab down the hall to the Internet, harnessing the full value of digital learning today means enabling all students to go online from their desk or from any library workspace.

Modernizing E-Rate to deliver digital learning to more kids faster
Chairman Wheeler’s proposed Order is the next major step in a comprehensive modernization of E-Rate, the first such effort since the program’s creation 18 years ago. The draft Order is focused on the largest and most urgent need -- closing the Wi-Fi gap -- while ensuring E-Rate money is spent smartly and improving program administration. It is the next step in what will be an ongoing process to modernize the E-rate program.

Building on Success
Today’s proposed order would build on the top-to-bottom administrative review of E-rate that was the first stage of Chairman Wheeler’s comprehensive, step-wise approach to modernization. This administrative review is already delivering huge dividends by allocating more funds and processing E-rate applications faster.

Bringing E-Rate into the 21st Century

• The E-Rate program has played a vital role in connecting US schools and libraries -- but often those connections are to a few computers along the wall rather than each student having access at his or her desk.
• New digital learning technologies are opening new opportunities for students, teachers and library patrons.
• But too many US schools and libraries lack the infrastructure necessary to fully utilize today’s learning technologies -- particularly when it comes to Wi-Fi in the classroom.
• E-Rate rules need to be updated to close the Wi-Fi gap.