SHLB Coalition Defends E-Rate at FCC, Citing $4.2B Economic Hit From Ending Program

It is disheartening and surprising that the Commission in the current proceeding asks questions that run directly counter to the goals of universal service and Congress’s directives. While most of the country and world are racing ahead to prepare for the future facing our nation’s citizens and students, the Commission is asking whether it should shelve or significantly reduce the E-Rate program, which is the financial pillar supporting most schools’ and libraries’ digital connections. The statute provides the Commission no authority to do so. To the contrary, section 254 of the Communications Act requires the Commission to continue to provide subsidies to schools and libraries for telecommunications services and to enhance access to advanced telecommunications and information services. Good public policy dictates that the E-Rate program should be strengthened and improved in the face of the country’s current and future connectivity needs.