Funds for Learning Reveals Insights to E-Rate Program Impact

funds2

A new presidential administration and changes at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have raised questions about the future of the federal E-rate program, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Funds for Learning, an E-rate compliance firm. Yet, recipients and applicants continue to rely on the subsidy program and view it as vital, the survey found.

The E-Rate program, otherwise known as the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Services Fund, provides discounts to help schools and libraries in the United States procure affordable telecommunications and internet access, including broadband connections.

Key initial findings by Funds for Learning in the 2017 survey include:

  • 87 percent of respondents said “E-rate funding is vital to their organization’s internet connectivity goals,” according to a news release;
  • 79 percent said “they have faster internet connections to their sites because of E-rate”;
  • 78 percent of respondents said “they were able to connect more students and library patrons to the internet because of the E-rate program.”

“Certainly, the E-rate program is not without its challenges, but the fundamental nature of the program remains as strong as ever,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds for Learning, in a prepared statement. “While the political climate has shifted, one thing has remained the same: E-rate is vital and will continue to play an indispensible role in connecting schools and communities.”

About 1,100 applicants completed the survey this year, representing approximately 5 percent of all school and library applicants across the nation, the release said. Complete results from the survey will be made available in the fall to help policymakers, administrators and other E-rate stakeholders understand more about the E-rate program.

More about the initial findings from the survey can be discovered at booth 2028 of the ISTE conference in San Antonio, TX, June 25-28. To receive full results this fall, sign up at the Funds for Learning site.

About the Author

Richard Chang is associate editor of THE Journal. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI microchip under cybersecurity attack, surrounded by symbols of threats like a skull, spider, lock, and warning shield

    Report Finds Agentic AI Protocol Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks

    A new report from Backslash Security has identified significant security vulnerabilities in the Model Context Protocol (MCP), technology introduced by Anthropic in November 2024 to facilitate communication between AI agents and external tools.

  • silhouetted student stands before the White House, surrounded by abstract digital graphics of brains, circuits, and AI elements

    White House Sets Sights on AI Education

    A new executive order from President Donald Trump aims to advance America's position in artificial intelligence technology by incorporating AI into education and providing AI training for educators.

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.