FCC to vote on review of $3 billion E‑Rate program

The Federal Communications Commission will vote later this month on launching a comprehensive review of its multibillion-dollar internet subsidy program for schools and libraries, citing concerns that the program may be contributing to excessive screen time and declining academic performance. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the proposed review, which is scheduled for a vote at the agency’s open meeting on June 25.

The program, known as E-Rate, provides roughly $3 billion annually in discounts for internet access and communications services to eligible schools and libraries. Chairman Carr stated that the review is necessary to examine whether the federal subsidies are supporting positive educational outcomes. He cited emerging research associating heightened screen time in classrooms with negative results, including diminished reading and math skills and poor cognitive development.

Carr framed the review as an effort to provide greater oversight and empower parents, who he said often have little information or choice about their children’s online exposure during school hours. He noted that while parents can supervise technology use at home, that oversight does not extend into...