ISTE Applauds FCC for Listening to Voice of Educators on E-Rate Modernization

  • 07/11/14

Action Includes Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making to Increase E-Rate Funding Cap

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) today issued the following statement from CEO Brian Lewis following the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) vote on the proposal to modernize the E-Rate program that subsidizes telecommunications and Internet costs for school districts:

“We applaud the Commission’s conviction to doing what’s right for education and launch a serious conversation about change the E-Rate truly does need -- more funding. Our community has spoken and the need for additional support is real. The Commission did the right thing today by issuing a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the E-Rate funding cap. We hope that a final decision on increasing the program’s annual funding cap will come quickly.

We also appreciate the Commission’s willingness to listen to educators and make meaningful improvements to this order. We support many of the practical steps that the Commission adopted today and its commitment to retain the E-Rate’s core principles and flexibility as the foundations of a modernized E-Rate program. We believe that the Commission’s efforts to promote WiFi and broadband in our nation’s classrooms and libraries, coupled with increased funding in the not-too-distant future, has the potential to provide all students with the connectivity necessary for learning in the digital age.

Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to Chairman Wheeler and his fellow Commissioners for their thoughtful actions as we continue this critical process. In addition, we recognize Commissioner Rosenworcel for her staunch support for educators and deep and abiding commitment to the E-Rate program. We look forward to sharing the perspectives and needs of school districts with all of the Commissioners as we move to this next, most crucial phase of E-Rate modernization.”

About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) is the premier nonprofit organization serving educators and education leaders committed to empowering connected learners in a connected world. ISTE serves more than 100,000 education stakeholders throughout the world. For more information, visit iste.org. Connect with ISTE via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Featured

  • KnowBe4 Releases Report on Education Sector’s Preparedness for Cyberattacks

    Cybersecurity platform KnowBe4 recently released a new research report titled “From Primary Schools to Universities, The Global Education Sector is Unprepared for Escalating Cyber Attacks,” according to a news release.

  • Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture Announces Merger with PBK

    Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture (CGD), based in South Carolina and Maryland, recently announced that it has merged with PBK, the largest K–12 architectural firm in the U.S., according to a news release. The firm will operate as Craig Gaulden Davis | PBK with 31 offices across the country.

  • modern college building with circuit and brain motifs

    Anthropic Introduces Claude for Education

    Anthropic has launched a version of its Claude AI assistant tailored for higher education institutions. Claude for Education "gives academic institutions secure, reliable AI access for their entire community," the company said, to enable colleges and universities to develop and implement AI-enabled approaches across teaching, learning, and administration.

  • Pfluger Architects Hires New Higher Ed Practice Leader

    Pfluger Architects, based in Houston, Texas, recently announced Christopher Laack as its new higher education practice leader, according to a news release. Laack has more than 20 years of experience as a licensed architect and most recently served as the Principal and Commercial Practice Leader for VLK Architects.