FCC considers axing $2 billion school and library internet connectivity
scheme Chairman blames tablets for moving kids away from "turning pages in books, penciling out answers to math problems"

Date:
Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Description:
E-Rate has funded library and school Wi-Fi for networking infrastructure for nearly three decades is it time to end it?

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter FCC Chairman seeks public consultation regarding E-Rate program Introduced in 1997, it offers schools 20-90% discounts on internet School bus Wi-Fi has already been pulled amid educational impact concerns The FCC is considering ending the long-running E-Rate program in the US, which currently provides around $2 billion annually to help public facilities like schools and libraries pay for internet connections and networking infrastructure.

Chairman Brendan Carr has ordered a review of the scheme to determine whether it still fulfils its original purpose. It launched in 1997 as a way to democratize access to internet during the web's infancy, but rising screen time is now being slated for impacting education. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: FCC worries about internet's impact on schoolchildren Carr referenced research that linked excessive screen use with lower reading performance, declining math scores, poorer cognitive development and more distraction.

"More than half of students now use a computer for up to four hours a day,
and a quarter of them spend more than four hours on screens," he said. You
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A notice now asks whether the E-Rate program should be limited or sunset entirely, and the FCC is now seeking public consultation. Some potential measures could include new safeguards around educational use, a reduction in funding or even ending the program entirely.

The FCC already pulled funding for Wi-Fi on school buses in a bid to reassert the program's position as one to support educational internet use not one to provide schoolchildren with Wi-Fi for personal use. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Current discounts for schools and libraries range from 20-90%, with lower-income and rural locations typically receiving more support. Pulling
the funding could impact these regions more.

Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass) warned it could reverse nearly three decades of work.

As for now, the future of E-Rate remains unconfirmed. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/fcc-considers-axing-usd2-billion-school-and-libr ary-internet-connectivity-scheme-chairman-blames-tablets-for-moving-kids-away- from-turning-pages-in-books-penciling-out-answers-to-math-problems


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