Q&A with FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel: The ‘Homework Gap’ Is an ‘Especially Cruel’ Reality During the Pandemic

A Q&A with Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on how she plans to use her new role at the FCC to tackle digital equity issues. "We must start recognizing that for students who don’t have internet access at home, having the school loan out a wireless hot spot is the difference between keeping up in class and falling behind. We can do something to fix this. It’s why we’re in the process of evaluating how we can update the current E-rate program to meet the moment students and families find themselves in," she said. ... "[S]ome of my first actions as acting chairwoman was to start the process of updating the E-Rate program to better meet the needs of students who rely on their schools as their main internet connection. I’m also proud that the FCC is on its way to setting up our nation’s largest initiative to help low-income families better afford internet access through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which will provide $50 to $75 monthly discounts for families struggling to get online during this pandemic."