US schools and libraries urge FCC to keep $2B E-Rate broadband program

Schools and libraries across the US asked the FCC to abandon plans to end E-Rate, a $2 billion-a-year program that connects students and library visitors to the internet. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr proposed limiting or sunsetting the program, citing excessive student screen time.

• E-Rate provides about $2 billion a year for school and library internet access
• Carr issued an NPRM seeking comment on sunsetting the program
• The American Library Association says the FCC lacks authority to end E-Rate
• The FCC already cut Wi-Fi hotspot and school bus Wi-Fi funding last year