E-rate and Emergency Connectivity Fund Programs

The E-rate program continues to provide valuable federal financial support so that schools and libraries can obtain low-cost, high-capacity broadband services. The FCC has adopted progressive reforms to the E-rate program since its inception. But there is more that can be done to ensure that E-rate embraces the most cost-efficient and innovative technologies. 

For the E-rate program to thrive, it must continue adapting to changes in the marketplace. The additional reforms below could permit the E-rate and ECF programs to serve the greater community: 

• Congress should provide more ECF funding as a long-term solution to the Homework Gap, or the difficulty students experience completing homework when they lack internet access at home.
• The FCC should provide E-rate funding for cybersecurity. 
• The FCC should waive the cost allocation rule, which would allow schools and libraries to share their E-rate built networks with surrounding homes and businesses.
• The FCC should continue to streamline the E-rate application process.

SHLB's Advocacy

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VIEW ARCHIVED DOCUMENTS

Key Documents

July 2014
FCC ORDER
Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries