We have several alerts regarding the E-Rate and LifeLine broadband programs:
- ASBOUSA published a blog on the E-Rate program for those who want a refresher on the program, how districts benefit from it, and how much each state receives in program discounts.
- The FCC is shifting its stance on LifeLine and E-Rate under the new administration and the new FCC Chairman, Ajit Pai. Pai recently revoked the authority of nine companies to offer LifeLine broadband services granted during the Obama administration and removed a report on the E-Rate program's success from the FCC website. These actions have been interpreted by many Democrats and ed-tech advocates as a sign that Republicans could roll back or cut funding for the programs. ASBO International is working with the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) to spread the word about the FCC's actions and encourage school district leaders to show their support for these programs. If E-Rate or LifeLine programs are helping students succeed in your district, please consider signing onto CoSN's letter. The deadline for this advocacy opportunity is Wednesday, March 22 at 5PM (ET).
- In December, ASBO International and the EdLiNC coalition sent letters to cable and telecommunications companies to urge them to participate in the LifeLine program to provide affordable high-speed broadband services for low-income students and their families. Since then, Verizon, Sprint, Charter, T-Mobile, and TracFone have agreed to offer LifeLine broadband services to customers.
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ASBO USA
asbousa@asbointl.org------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2016 11:35
From: ASBO USA
Subject: LifeLine/E-Rate Broadband Alerts
ASBO International has been working with the Education and Libraries Networks Coalition (EdLiNC) on several initiatives related to improving high-speed broadband access for public schools and libraries, and for students at school and at home.
1. EdLINC created a new website to serve as an E-Rate hub, with information and resources related to the telecommunications discount program. ASBO International is listed there as a member of the coalition, along with 16 other education groups.
2. Last month, EdLiNC and ASBO International sent letters to cable companies and telecommunications companies (attached to this post) encouraging them to participate in the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) LifeLine program to improve high-speed broadband access for low-income students outside of school. LifeLine helps address the "homework gap" problem by offering affordable internet services to low-income families so students can complete online homework assignments from home, increasing their chance for academic success. Stay tuned for updates on this thread about the success of this initiative; so far, Verizon has agreed to participate and offer LifeLine services in 2017.
3. Last week, EdLiNC and ASBO International submitted comments to the FCC about using E-Rate funds to support internet access/connectivity projects for off-campus use. Read the comments to learn more.
4. EdLiNC and ASBO International nominated Daniel Domenech (AASA) and Robert Bocher (ALA) to serve on the Universal Service Administrative Company's (USAC) Board of Directors. The USAC administers E-Rate funding to public schools and libraries, and our nominations ensure that school and library representatives are included on the Board. The FCC appointed both nominees this week.
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ASBO USA
asbousa@asbointl.org
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