The FCC has initiated a contentious rulemaking proceeding in which it seeks to roll back the E-Rate Program. The FCC seeks comment on how it can curb screen time for children by mandating that funds are “used responsibly and for an educational purpose;” protect the online safety of children using E-Rate funded networks; and strengthen and streamline administrative oversight over the E-Rate Program. Dissenting, Commissioner Gomez expressed concern that some specific proposals, which include limiting E-Rate to only rural areas or areas with a single provider, would weaken the E-Rate Program and hurt students.
