Eshoo Applauds E-Rate Modernization by FCC

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for voting today to increase the funding cap for E-Rate by $1.5 billion, taking it to $3.9 billion. E-Rate is the country’s largest technology education program and provides broadband and other telecommunications services to schools and libraries. The increased funds are part of a plan the FCC approved in July.

“The FCC took a monumental step today to bring E-Rate into the 21st century,” Eshoo said. “Funding for E-Rate was set during the days of dial-up Internet and in today’s digital world that level is simply inadequate. This boost will put into action a well-devised modernization plan to increase the presence of Wi-Fi in classrooms and bolster higher capacity Internet connections to our schools and libraries across the country. I applaud Chairman Wheeler for his leadership, and I salute Commissioner Rosenworcel, an early architect of E-Rate modernization who has visited schools nationwide to see firsthand how this program will benefit students. Her commitment to next-generation digital learning is unequaled at the Commission.”

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