E-Rate & Technology

Guidance, policy updates and actionable resources for schools & districts focused on E-Rate and Technology.

  Background

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC)'s E-Rate program makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries. With funding from the Universal Service Fund, E-Rate provides discounts for telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries. E-Rate is critical to school-based internet access, which is foundational for today’s learners. 

AASA has long supported and championed the E-Rate program for its work to transform and support broadband connectivity in schools. We work closely with the FCC to support policies aimed at closing the homework gap through equitable access to technology and internet. AASA is also committed to working with the U.S. Department of Education and the FCC on ensuring any federal response to cybersecurity threats and student data privacy are comprehensive and cross-agency and adequately funded.

AASA's priorities through the E-Rate program include:

• Support preservation of the Universal Service Fund and the programs it supports
• Supporting the FCC's Learn Without Limits initiative to provide students with Wi-Fi on buses and hotspot connectivity
• Supporting policies that protect student data privacy and adequately fund cybersecurity for all school districts

  AASA's Position & Priorities

AASA is committed to advocating for the following:

• Support flexibility of federal resources to ensure equitable access to affordable broadband, to better support student connectivity both in and out of school.
• Ensure any federal response to cybersecurity threats are comprehensive and cross-agency, and adequately funded.
• Oppose any effort to redirect E-Rate funding as initial/primary cybersecurity response.
• Permanently exempt E-Rate from the Anti-Deficiency Act.
• Support preservation of the Universal Service Fund and the programs it supports.
• Support using E-Rate dollars for Wi-Fi on buses and hot spots.
• Support efforts to ensure equitable access to affordable connectivity at home and at school.
• Update definitions to address the realities of the digital age, making it possible to protect data while ensuring appropriate use of student data for legitimate educational needs and reforms.
• Ensure funding to support school districts in ongoing efforts to respond to cybersecurity threats.