E-Rate

Image of a security symbol on a laptop.
filo/DigitalVision Vectors
Ed-Tech Policy 'Cybersecurity Is Huge.' Educators Make the Case for More Federal Funding
Major education organizations have told the FCC that they want to use E-rate dollars for advanced internet security firewalls.
Alyson Klein, February 16, 2023
3 min read
Illustration of Internet network data computer laptop security shield and lock symbol.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Ed-Tech Policy E-Rate Money for Cybersecurity? The FCC Is About to Get an Earful From Schools
There are some strong, opposing opinions about whether the federal program should pay for cybersecurity.
Alyson Klein, December 14, 2022
4 min read
Illustration of boy with a cellphone and boy at a desk with a laptop with WiFi error messages and symbols around them.
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Ed-Tech Policy Home Internet for Students or District Cybersecurity: Where Should the Money Go?
The homework gap persists at the same time that cyberattacks against schools are on the rise.
Alyson Klein, October 24, 2022
4 min read
Image of a security symbol on a laptop.
filo/DigitalVision Vectors
Privacy & Security We Need More Money to Prevent Cyberattacks, School Districts Tell Feds
District leaders point to the massive cyberattack on the Los Angeles schools as reason to act now.
Alyson Klein, September 21, 2022
2 min read
A school bus is reflected in a bus mirror.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal on May 11 that would allow the use of federal E-rate funding for Wi-Fi in school buses.
Eric Gay/AP
Ed-Tech Policy Wi-Fi on School Buses: Smart Move or Stupidest Idea Ever?
An FCC proposal to use E-Rate funding to put Wi-Fi on school buses prompted strong reactions on social media.
Lauraine Langreo, May 18, 2022
3 min read
A Brownsville Independent School District bus acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot for students needing to connect online for distance learning at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year in the Texas school system.
A Brownsville Independent School District bus acts as a WI-FI hotspot for students needing to connect online for distance learning on the first day of class Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in the parking lot of the Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center in Brownsville, Texas. The bus is one of 20 hotspots throughout the city to help students have access to their online classes as part of the remote start to the school year due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald via AP
IT Infrastructure Internet on School Buses: FCC Eyes E-Rate Change to Expand Access
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal that would allow the use of federal E-rate funding for Wi-Fi in school buses.
Lauraine Langreo, May 12, 2022
2 min read
Ed-Tech Policy Letter to the Editor Using E-Rate to Address the Homework Gap
The FCC's E-rate program can provide relief to many families, says this letter author from the Internet Society.
April 12, 2021
1 min read
Internet connectivity doesn't reach all the houses
Vanessa Solis/Education Week and iStock/Getty
Ed-Tech Policy Q&A Acting FCC Chair: The 'Homework Gap' Is an 'Especially Cruel' Reality During the Pandemic
Under the new leadership of Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC is exploring broadening the E-Rate to cover home-connectivity needs.
Alyson Klein, March 10, 2021
5 min read
Andrew Burstein, 13, participates in a virtual class through Don Estridge High Tech Middle School in Delray Beach, Fla., this school year.
Andrew Burstein, 13, participates in a virtual class through Don Estridge High Tech Middle School in Delray Beach, Fla., this school year.
Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP
Ed-Tech Policy FCC Takes One Step Closer to Offering E-Rate Funds for Remote Learning Technology
Advocates have urged the FCC to loosen its rules on E-Rate funds so schools can pay for technology that helps students learn remotely.
Mark Lieberman, February 1, 2021
2 min read
Federal Communications Chairman Ajit Pai arrives for an FCC meeting to vote on net neutrality.
Federal Communications Chairman Ajit Pai arrives for an FCC meeting to vote on net neutrality. 
Associated Press
Ed-Tech Policy Dawn of an Education-Friendly FCC? Chairman Ajit Pai Moving On
The FCC chairman plans to step down from his role at the end of President Donald Trump's term on Jan. 20.
Alyson Klein, November 30, 2020
3 min read
Classroom Technology How Massive K-12 Bond Issues During COVID-19 Are Shaping School Technology Plans
Interest rates are low and remote and hybrid learning continues, but some experts question using bonds to pay for devices and connectivity.
Benjamin Herold, November 17, 2020
5 min read
Ed-Tech Policy From Our Research Center Many Students Still Lack Home Internet. Here's How Big the Problem Is.
Only 11 percent of school district leaders and principals said all their students have the home internet access they need to fully participate in virtual instruction.
Mark Lieberman, October 14, 2020
3 min read
Ed-Tech Policy Districts: Here's How to Get Some Help With the E-Rate
Ed tech officials: Confused about the E-Rate? The State Educational Technology Directors Association is on the case.
Alyson Klein, October 6, 2020
1 min read
BRIC ARCHIVE
Illustration by Jamiel Law
IT Infrastructure Reported Essay Internet Access Is a Civil Rights Issue
In the world’s wealthiest country, why is broadband access denied to so many and in such high numbers? Mark Lieberman investigates.
Mark Lieberman, September 23, 2020
7 min read