FCC

Ed-Tech Policy The E-Rate Program: 6 Big Numbers to Know
The state of the federal E-Rate program is mostly strong, with some areas of concern, according to a new report from Funds for Learning.
Benjamin Herold, December 12, 2017
5 min read
Ed-Tech Policy FCC Approves Lifeline Changes, Seeks Comment on Possible Budget Cap
In a party-line vote, the Federal Communications Commission limited Lifeline support for "premium Wi-Fi" services and issued a new notice of proposed rulemaking.
Benjamin Herold, November 16, 2017
2 min read
Ed-Tech Policy FCC Seeks Comment on Access to WiFi for Schools and Libraries
The E-Rate provided billions of dollars for "category two" requests from schools and libraries. The FCC wants to know how the program is working.
Benjamin Herold, September 26, 2017
2 min read
Ed-Tech Policy E-Rate, Other Universal-Service Funds to Be Transferred to U.S. Treasury
The move, which would take effect in 2018, comes in the wake of a recommendation by the federal Government Accountability Office.
Benjamin Herold, August 8, 2017
2 min read
Ed-Tech Policy FCC Nominees Grilled by Lawmakers on E-Rate, Net Neutrality
Democratic lawmakers on a U.S. Senate committee probed Republican FCC nominees' positions on the E-rate program and net neutrality.
Sarah Schwartz, July 19, 2017
7 min read
Ed-Tech Policy Trump Names Nominees to Fill Empty FCC Seats, With High Stakes for Schools
If confirmed by the Senate, Republican Brendan Carr and Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel would bring the Federal Communications Commission back to full strength.
Benjamin Herold, June 29, 2017
1 min read
Ed-Tech Policy Questions Over New Construction Projects Raise More Worries About E-Rate's Future
About 100 mostly rural districts planning to use federal dollars to build new fiber-optic networks are now in limbo, causing uncertainty about the E-Rate program.
Benjamin Herold, May 17, 2017
6 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.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Ed-Tech Policy FCC Chairman Announces Plan to Roll Back Key Net Neutrality Rules
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai wants a return to "light-touch" regulation of internet service providers, a move that critics say threatens the free flow of online information.
Benjamin Herold, April 26, 2017
5 min read
Ed-Tech Policy FCC Chairman Wants E-Rate Application Process Improved
An online application portal has "serious flaws" and is over budget, harming schools and libraries seeking funds for telecommunications services, said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
Benjamin Herold, April 19, 2017
2 min read
Privacy & Security Q&A Ex-FCC Chair Blasts Efforts to Change Lifeline, Net Neutrality, Privacy Rules
Former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler blasted his Republican successor, accusing him of using "smokescreens" and "double speak" on key issues affecting K-12 schools.
Benjamin Herold, April 5, 2017
8 min read
Then-FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler, left, speaks last spring while commissioner Ajit Pai, now head of the FCC, looks on during a Senate committee hearing.
Then-FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler, left, speaks last spring while commissioner Ajit Pai, now head of the FCC, looks on during a Senate committee hearing.
Alex Wong/Getty-File
IT Infrastructure & Management FCC Yanks Report on E-Rate Success
The FCC rescinded a report showing its own program has helped spur falling bandwidth prices and new access to high-speed broadband for schools and libraries.
Benjamin Herold, February 14, 2017
5 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management FCC Alters 'Lifeline' Program for Subsidized Broadband
Following a policy reversal by the FCC, nine companies will no longer be able to participate in a federal program that offers subsidized internet access to low-income Americans.
Sarah Schwartz & Benjamin Herold, February 14, 2017
2 min read
Equity & Diversity Under New Leadership, FCC Quashes Report on E-rate Program's Success
The FCC rescinded a report showing its own program has helped spur falling bandwidth prices and new access to high-speed broadband for schools and libraries.
Benjamin Herold, February 8, 2017
5 min read
Equity & Diversity FCC Chair to Step Down; Championed E-Rate Reform, Net Neutrality
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who led a reform of the E-rate program and promoted "net neutrality," will step down on Jan. 20.
Benjamin Herold, December 15, 2016
3 min read