Addressing the Homework Gap through the E-rate Program

Abstract

As a signatory to the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) coalition petition, ALA unreservedly affirms that the Commission has the authority needed to act immediately to address dire connectivity gaps for K-12 students and library patrons. Further, we urge the Commission to remain true to the founding premise of the E-rate in that it is a Universal Service program for both Schools and Libraries. The need to connect students, teachers and consumers to jobs, life-long learning, and information has led to a steady rise in demand for bandwidth and broadband access from schools and libraries. Because of the urgency of this issue, we focus our comments on issues the library community identified as the most pressing to resolve in order to stand-up a program within the E-rate framework. As such, the Commission should: 1. Ensure library applicants are able to provide emergency services to library patrons, including but not limited to K-12 students and teachers. 2. Allow for flexibility for both hardware and implementation of eligible services for locally driven solutions to best meet off-campus connectivity needs of patrons and/or students who lack home access. 3. Balance accountability and oversight with expedient funding distribution. 4. Ensure predictability of funding available for applicants.