Markey Introduces E-Rate 2.0

Rep Ed Markey (D-MA) has introduced the E-Rate 2.0 Act (H.R. 4619), to update the successful E-Rate program.

The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to implement three pilot programs:

1) The first pilot program narrows the digital divide through the distribution of vouchers to enable low-income students to purchase residential broadband service.

2) The second utilizes a competitive grant program to extend funding for broadband equipment and services to selected community colleges and head start facilities that best demonstrate need and incorporation of broadband use in their educational mission.

3) The third enables certain E-Rate applicants serving particularly low-income students to apply for significantly discounted services and technologies for the use of e-books.

The bill also would provide for an inflation adjustment to the current $2.25 billion cap on the E-Rate program, so funding would increase with inflation. The bill also calls for the streamlining of the application process.