E-Rate & Technology

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, and is the fifth largest stream of federal funding in the nation’s schools.

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 all three branches of the federal government:

• Supreme Court: Protecting the E-Rate program to ensure it continues to support schools.
• Capitol Hill: Support preservation of the Universal Service Fund and the programs it supports.
• Federal Communications Commission: Responding to proposed changes that protect core elements of access, equity, and connectivity for all learners.

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.