Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition Supports Federal Communications Commission's Initiative for Off-Campus E-rate Support

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition along with the Open Technology Institute at New America (OTI), filed comments responding to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in support of E-Rate support for off-campus internet access. The NPRM proposes to allow schools and libraries to apply for funding from the FCC’s E-Rate program for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet access services to be used by students and library patrons in need. The NPRM aims to address the Homework Gap that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased use of online learning. SHLB, the Open Technology Institute, and others jointly filed a Petition for Rulemaking in January 2021, specifically calling for E-Rate funding to be used to support broadband access at home. The FCC took comment on that proposal but did not take further action after Congress created the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF). The ECF program is set to expire at the end of June 2024.