Democrats ask the FCC to expand Internet access for students.
The plan is to use the E-Rate program to close the “task gap”
” More than 30 Senate Democrats, including Ed Markey and Amy Klobuchar, asked FCC Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel to use E-Rate funds to connect students who are unable to access necessary online classes to the COVID-19 pandemic. since 12 million children in the United States still lack Internet access at home, “she reads herself in the letter.
” We specifically call on the FCC to take action and use the E-Rate program to begin closing the ‘task gap’ without delay.”
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Senators noted that the gap disproportionately affects “communities of color, low-income households, tribal lands, and rural areas.”
12 million students still lack internet access at home. They are disproportionally from communities of color, low-income households, Tribal lands, and rural areas. The FCC can and must leverage the E-Rate program to get these students the Wi-Fi hotspots they need to get online. pic.twitter.com/vR8lf7b4Vg
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) February 4, 2021
The E-rate program is designed to help schools and libraries obtain affordable broadband Ajit Pai refused to expand it to include student and home access, despite the massive increase in online learning due to coronavirus school closings.
“We urge you to use your new leadership now from the FCC to deviate from the erroneous position of the previous Commission.” The letter says.
Although the funds currently available through E-Rate will not be enough to connect all students across the country, their swift action would provide an initial payment. essential.”
Rosenworcel, who teamed up with Pai on the e-rate issue, said earlier this week that the FCC would seek comment on using e-rate funds to open up Internet access to distance learning.
“Children shouldn’t have to do homework in parking lots because that’s the only place they can go online. We can do better, ”she wrote.
Engadget / TechConflict.Com