Bill Would Update E-Rate
Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced legislation Tuesday that would update the E-Rate program, which provides subsidies to schools and libraries for Internet access.
Markey's bill (H.R. 4619) would require the FCC to create three pilot programs aimed at expanding Internet access and narrowing the digital divide. The first pilot program would require the distribution of vouchers to low-income students to purchase residential broadband service. The second would use a competitive grant program to extend funding for broadband equipment and services to some community colleges and Head Start facilities that can show the need and an ability to incorporate broadband use into their educational programs. And the third pilot called for in the bill project would enable some E-Rate applicants servicing low-income students to apply for discounted services and technology for the use of e-books.
The bill also would adjust the cap on the current E-Rate program to increase with inflation and also make changes to the application process. Markey, who authored the original E-Rate legislation included in the 1996 telecommunications act, said the program has helped to boost Internet access in schools. The number of elementary and high schools with Internet access has gone from only 14 percent when the bill was enacted in 1996 to more than 95 percent today, he said.
"This critical bill will help narrow the digital divide by increasing the range of the latest telecommunication services and devices accessible to low-income students, including residential broadband services and e-books incorporated into students' classroom lessons," Markey said in a statement.
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