Key facts
- E-Rate is a $2 billion-a-year program connecting students and library visitors to the internet.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr argues the program has expanded beyond its original purpose.
- The American Library Association asserts the FCC does not have the authority to terminate the congressionally mandated program.
- Only 35% of Texas public libraries currently receive E-Rate discounts, below the national average of 65%.
Schools and libraries nationwide are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abandon proposals to end the E-Rate program, which provides $2 billion annually for internet connectivity. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has criticized the program's expansion beyond its original educational purpose, citing increased screen time for students. He initiated a rulemaking process to consider limiting or sunsetting the program, a move opposed by various educational and library associations.
The American Library Association contends that the FCC lacks the authority to terminate the congressionally mandated E-Rate program, arguing that Congress established it to address limited access to advanced telecommunications services. Carr's proposal questions whether the program's original mission has been fulfilled given the widespread availability of broadband.
Groups like the Texas Library Association and New York Library Association highlight ongoing needs, with Texas libraries showing lower E-Rate participation and unmet broadband speed benchmarks. They emphasize E-Rate's critical role in maintaining reliable internet, essential for library services and programs. Specific examples, like that of Rock Valley Christian School in Iowa, illustrate how E-Rate support is vital for maintaining internet costs and network equipment.