
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 , 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.
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµhas 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. Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµis 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
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµis 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.
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµhas long supported and championed the E-Rate program for its work to transform and support broadband connectivity in schools... Even before the pandemic, we knew that upwards of 12 million students struggled without (or with inadequate) broadband access at home to complete school assignments.
David R. Schuler, Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµexecutive director
Issue Updates
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August 08, 2024
FCC Releases State by State Info on How Universal Service Fund Impacts StatesThe FCC has released an overview document and state-specific information detailing how each of the four universal service fund programs (including the schools and libraries program, E-Rate) are impacted in each state.
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July 25, 2024
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµJoins EdLiNC Coalition in Expressing Deep Frustration with 5th Circuit E-Rate DecisionÂܲ·AVÊÓÆµjoined the Education and Networks Libraries Coalition to express deep frustration with yesterday's 5th Circuit E-Rate decision.
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July 25, 2024
5th Circuit Court Rules Universal Service Fund (Which Covers E-Rate) UnconstitutionalOn Wednesday, the 5th Circuit Court handed down its decision where the plaintiffs argued that using E-rate funds for Wi-Fi on school buses exceeds the FCC’s authority to provide internet access in schools and libraries.
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June 11, 2024
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµJoins School and Library Groups in Amicus Supporting E-RateÂܲ·AVÊÓÆµjoined 10 other national organizations in an amicus brief, responding to the Molak v FCC case in the fifth circuit.
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµResources
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December 01, 2023
AASA’s New Focus on Student and Child PrivacyType:Article Topics:A new Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµpublic policy center monitors federal legislation on privacy issues. -
October 19, 2023
PEP Talk Episode 24: Student & Child PrivacyType:Podcast Topics: Advocacy & PolicyAASA's Advocacy team interviews Amelia Vance, chief counsel, and Morgan Leftwich, project director from AASA's Student & Child Privacy Center to get us up to speed about current privacy laws, the landscape, and more! -
June 13, 2023
Fixing Student & Child Privacy LawsType:Webinar Recording Topics:This webinar series will educate policymakers on the basics of student privacy, the areas of conflict and options for how laws can be improved.
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Additional Resources
Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Department of Education Resources
In the News
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July 12, 2023
Advocacy & Policy, E-Rate, Press Release, School Safety & Cybersecurity
New Cybersecurity Initiative Set to Enhance Safety, Security and Privacy for Nation’s 50 Million Public School StudentsFCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced her proposal to advance a federal support for cyber security services for K-12 schools at AASA's Legislative Advocacy Conference.
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May 12, 2021
E-Rate, Press Release
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµIssues Statement in Reaction to FCC Announcements

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