Listening Session on the FCC's E-Rate and Screen Use NPRM

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene a virtual listening session on screen use in schools, as it relates to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) E-Rate program, which provides discounts for schools and libraries toward the cost of internet connectivity. 

The FCC has initiated a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) to examine whether the E-Rate program is serving the long-term interests of children—or instead encouraging excessive screen-based instruction in K-12 schools at the expense of child development and academic outcomes. 

All parents, students, educators, and child development specialists will be welcome to speak at the listening session, time permitting. NTIA may collect feedback received during the session from these groups and submit it to the FCC for consideration as part of the NPRM record. The virtual meeting will be open for observation by the public and the press.