On December 9, 2014 the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) submitted its recommendations for E-rate reform. In advance of the FCC’s December Open Meeting, where the Commission will vote on increasing the E-rate funding cap, the IAC voiced its support for infusing the E‚Äërate program with additional funds.
In their recommendations, the IAC stated that they:
“…support the Commission’s efforts to modernize the E-Rate program to bring high-speed broadband to our nation’s libraries and schools. The IAC supports Chairman Wheeler’s proposal to increase the funding cap for the E-Rate program from the current $2.4 billion to $3.9 billion. The IAC agrees with the conclusion of the FCC staff report that additional funding will be necessary to meet the goals of E-Rate modernization, especially in rural areas. E-Rate funded technology has the potential for helping to equalize educational opportunity by providing more equitable access to instructional resources and helping all students become proficient in the information and media literacy skills that are increasingly necessary for opportunity and mobility in the 21st century economy…”
FCC staff had asked the IAC for recommendations at their last meeting on November 24, 2014.
