100 Ed Tech Leaders Call on FCC To Update E-rate

A group of 100 education technology leaders have partnered with EducationSuperHighway to join the growing chorus urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update the E-rate program, which provides funding for broadband in schools and libraries.

In a letter representing CEOs and innovators from companies such as "Amplify, Channel One, Class Dojo, DreamBox Learning and LearnZillion," according to a news release, the group expressed support for FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's "call for modernization of the E-rate program, and for swift action to immediately address the connectivity gap, which starts with ensuring ubiquitous Wi-Fi."

The letter states that "nearly 40 million K-12 students are currently without the Internet access and Wi-Fi needed to personalize learning, empower teachers, connect parents and ensure equal educational opportunities for all," according to information released by the group.

"We cannot let another year pass without providing our students the bandwidth they need for digital learning," said Josh Reibel, CEO of Amplify Learning, in a prepared statement. "Moving quickly to ensure schools have robust wireless access immediately is a critical first step in the E-rate modernization process."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Indianapolis Public Schools Adopt DreamBox Math

    Thanks to a new partnership with Discovery Education, all Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) K–8 students and teachers will gain access to DreamBox Math, which blends curriculum and continuous formative assessments that adapt to student needs to boost achievement.

  • The First Steps of Establishing Your Cloud Security Strategy

    In this guide, we'll identify some first steps you can take to establish your cloud security strategy. We'll do so by discussing the cloud security impact of individual, concrete actions featured within the CIS Critical Security Controls® (CIS Controls®) and the CIS Benchmarks™.

  • Google Brings Gemini AI to Teens in the Classroom

    Google is making its Gemini large language model available for free for students ages 13 and up in the United States (age minimums vary by country), via Google Workspace for Education accounts.

  • A top-down view of a person walking through a maze with walls made of glowing blue Wi-Fi symbols on dark pathways

    Navigating New E-Rate Rules for WiFi Hotspots

    Beginning in funding year 2025, WiFi hotspots will be eligible for E-rate Category One discounts. Here's what you need to know about your school's eligibility, funding caps, tracking requirements, and more.