![]() ![]() ![]() Markey is actually the person who created the E-Rate program to begin with back in the ’90s. They’re not just speculating wildly, either - many of these senators are part of the FCC’s oversight committee, and Sen. But as the letter says, the legislators believe it is within the FCC’s powers to override the day-to-day E-Rate rules and dedicate some of the $2 billion left in its budget to this purpose. The issue is that the funds to do so are locked up in what’s called the E-Rate program, which is an internet connection subsidy meted out to schools and libraries, and isn’t really intended for this kind of short-term use. The suggestion by Markey and the others is to cover these costs to get these resources distributed as quickly and simply as possible.įirst US clinical human trial of potential coronavirus vaccine set to start Monday Many schools and libraries have devices like Wi-Fi hotspots and other internet-enabled devices available for loan or rental, but the demand and attendant costs could be very high if they hand them out for use as students’ main source of connectivity. “We believe that the FCC can use its emergency powers… to provide home wireless service to existing school devices and hotspots for students who lack internet access at home.” “The coronavirus pandemic has shone a bright light on the ‘homework gap’ experienced by 12 million students in this country who do not have internet access at home and are unable to complete their homework,” they write. ![]() In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a group of Democratic and Independent lawmakers led by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) urged the agency to use funds earmarked for education to immediately help kids who lack the connectivity they need. Legislators and the FCC are hoping to fix at least part of the problem with an emergency distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots to needy students. Schools around the country are closing, and while some universities are able to switch to online classes, that’s not really an option for K-12 students, many of whom lack the necessary equipment or connection at home to do so. ![]()
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