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Why Is The FCC Reviewing Its $3 Billion School Internet Program

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency will release a new proposal this week, with an initial vote expected on June 25

Photo by Compare Fibre / Unsplash

The Federal Communications Commission has launched a comprehensive review of the E-Rate program, a $3 billion annual initiative that helps schools and libraries pay for internet access, raising questions about the future of a program that has operated for nearly 30 years.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency will release a new proposal this week, with an initial vote expected on June 25. According to Carr, the review comes amid growing concerns about excessive screen time among children and broader debates over technology use in classrooms.

An FCC official told reporters that the review will examine whether the program still fulfills its original mission and remains consistent with congressional goals. The agency is also seeking public feedback on issues related to student screen time, child safety and parental involvement in technology decisions.

The report noted that E-Rate is funded through fees collected from consumers via phone bills. The review follows a previous FCC decision to end subsidies for Wi-Fi services on school buses.

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