A new proposal by the FCC could pump $1 billion dollars into their E-Rate program to provide Wi-Fi networks in the classroom.
The FCC E-Rate program is the universal service support program administered by the FCC to fund schools and libraries in order obtain telecommunication services, broadband internet services and internal network connections. But according to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the E-Rate program was created in 1996 and is still set to technologies of the era. It has not been updated to meet the advancements in technology and the needs of today’s education system. Particularly in the realm of mobile and wireless.
Currently 3 out of 5 schools do not have a Wi-Fi network set in place and/or funding for set up. But with this new proposal, over 10 million students could be online in the classroom by 2015. No more will students need to utilize small computer labs to access the internet. They will have learning and research tools available to them right in the classroom. US. voters have even given their support of being taxed in order to help with this.
In February, a study was conducted surrounding technology in education and their thoughts. 83% of voters supported efforts for faster broadband to schools and 69% would back the idea even if it required a $4 tax per year on their mobile bills.
The new proposal is still being reviewed but with passing could put U.S. schools in a terrific place to enhance our students education.
For more information on the FCC Wi-Fi proposal visit the FCC website.
http://www.fcc.gov/document/chmn-wheeler-proposes-updating-e-rate-wi-fi-schools-libraries