Markey, Other Senate Dems to FCC: Allow E-rate Money for Wi-Fi Hot Spots Amid Coronavirus
Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Senate Communications Subcommittee ranking member Brian Schatz of Hawaii and 11 other Senate Democrats urged the FCC Monday to temporarily allow schools to use E-rate program funding to provide Wi-Fi hot spots or other connectivity…
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devices to students who lack at-home internet access amid widespread closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A group of House Commerce Committee Democrats similarly said last week top ISPs should address remote learning connectivity amid school closures (see 2003130066). FCC Chairman Ajit Pai got pledges last week from top ISPs to keep everyone online for the next 60 days amid the outbreak. “The FCC can use its emergency powers to temporarily waive relevant E-rate program rules and allow its beneficiaries to utilize universal service funding to provide home wireless service to existing school devices and hotspots for students who lack internet access at home,” the Democratic senators said in a letter to Pai. “This swift, immediate action would help ensure that all students can remotely continue their education during the current public health emergency.” Others signing the letter include Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois and Senate Education Committee ranking member Patty Murray of Washington. The FCC didn't comment.