The FCC has released a report showing the potential number of additional students, schools, and libraries that would gain E-Rate program funding needed for Wi-Fi upgrades over the next five years if FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s E-Rate reforms are adopted. The report, “Modernizing E-Rate: Providing 21st Century Wi-Fi Networks For Schools and Libraries across America,” claims that the Chairman’s reforms will increase funding for Wi-Fi 75 percent for rural schools and 60 percent for urban schools, allowing an additional 44 million students and 16,000 libraries to have access to Wi-Fi services by 2019, all within existing E-Rate program funding. At its next open meeting on July 11, the FCC will vote on an E-Rate modernization Report and Order that, in addition to increasing support for Wi-Fi connections in schools and libraries, will make comprehensive reforms to the way the program is administered.
