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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March 27, 2025
Guest Post: Unpacking the E-Rate Argument from Jon BernsteinJon Bernstein, who co-leads the EdLiNC Coalition with Noelle Ellerson Ng, shares his insights on the arguments made in the E-Rate case before the U.S. Supreme Court this week.
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March 11, 2025
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµJoins 30 National Organizations in Letter Opposing CRAÂܲ·AVÊÓÆµjoined more than 30 other national organizations in a joint letter to Congress urging the Senate to vote against a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would overturn the FCC’s E-Rate hotspot decision last year.
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January 21, 2025
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµJoins 20 National Organizations in Brief Supporting E-Rate and USFÂܲ·AVÊÓÆµjoined 20 other national organizations in an amicus brief filed today, in support of the E-Rate and Universal Service Fund.
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January 17, 2025
FCC Releases Universal Service Monitoring ReportEarlier this week the FCC released the latest Universal Service Fund monitoring report, using information available as of September 2024.
Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµResources
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February 01, 2024
From Data Privacy to Data JusticeType:Article Topics: Access & Opportunity Technology & AIThe risks of discrimination and exploitation of students in elementary and secondary schools that arise from the use of new technologies. -
February 01, 2024
Our Preventative Measures for Cybersecurity’s DangersType:Article Topics:The work of AASA’s Student and Child Privacy Center in combating digital crimes committed against schools. -
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!
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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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