Hundreds of schools await funding for connectivity improvements as FCC deadline nears

The Federal Communications Commission has, for years, sought to issue funding decisions by Sept. 1 for applications made through E-rate, a federal program that subsidizes phone and internet access for public schools and libraries. But connectivity advocates say roughly $945 million in funding requests remain on the table, roughly a third of the $2.8 billion schools and libraries requested this fiscal year. "We've got a bunch of kids going back to school and these projects haven't been reviewed yet," said Evan Marwell, CEO and founder of EducationSuperHighway. The nonprofit advocates for better connectivity in schools and has, for months, complained of pervasive delays. Marwell urged FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to lend the weight of his leadership to the issue to "get these projects approved as soon as possible." "These kids are now faced with likely spending another year without the broadband that they need to take advantage of digital learning in the classroom," he said.