New E-rate rules could narrow the homework gap
Learning is mobile--but how can schools provide reliable high-speed internet for students who need devices at home, but who lack connectivity?
FCC
How schools can take full advantage of the FCC’s new cybersecurity program
K-12 school districts are becoming an increasingly popular target of ransomware operations and other cyber threat actors. Ransomware attacks alone targeted 108 U.S. school districts in 2023.
Why federal-education partnerships are critical for cybersecurity
By providing essential funding, advanced cybersecurity resources, expert guidance, and gathering analytics and data, the federal government can help schools effectively protect against cyber threats.
FCC adopts $200M cybersecurity pilot program
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on June 6 adopted a three-year, $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, which will allow the FCC to obtain and analyze…
Funds For Learning Commends FCC Approval of Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
EDMOND, Okla.— On June 6, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot ... Read more
Funds For Learning Launches Survey: Shaping the Future of Connectivity
Funds For Learning, the leading E-rate compliance services firm for schools nationwide, launched its 14th annual E-rate survey last month. ... Read more
Majority of districts now meet FCC’s school internet connectivity goal
Seventy-four percent of districts (9,573) across the country now have school internet connectivity at speeds that are sufficient to support digital learning in their classrooms every day.
FCC proposes $200M for K-12 cybersecurity
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is asking her fellow Commissioners to support a proposal that would take further steps to enhance cybersecurity protections to protect school networks.
In cybersecurity, balancing vigilance with access
Cybersecurity is at the forefront of IT issues to be addressed over the next year. Nearly every list of major IT or educational technology issues for 2023 includes…
3 ways the E-rate program helps level up learning
The federal E-rate program continues to provide expanded access to technology, including edtech tools, digital learning resources, and high-speed internet access, to schools, according to an annual report…
5 strategies to tackle the homework gap
Despite a brighter spotlight on digital equity, gaps still remain, including the troubling and persistent homework gap--but a newly-relaunched digital equity toolkit aims to highlight the important work…
This E-rate trick can help schools combat net neutrality repeal
With concerns about school internet access buzzing in the wake of the FCC's vote to repeal net neutrality, anxiety over school internet access might transfer to the federal…
4 questions to ask about E-rate funding
Today’s K-12 schools are facing a complex web of needs, technologies and regulations. Digital transformation has led to an expectation by students and faculty of constant connectivity to…
Form 471 filing window dates announced
USAC’s Schools and Libraries Division has announced important Funding Year (FY) 2018 dates and deadlines. The FY 2018 FCC Form ... Read more
Districts say E-rate is critical to their learning goals
A large majority of E-rate applicants (87 percent) said the federally funded program is vital to their internet connectivity goals, according to an annual survey that tracks program…
E-Rate Survival FAQs
What (and who) is E-rate? E-rate is a US Federal Program for funding telecom and technology in K-12 schools and ... Read more
Most districts say E-rate is critical for internet access
A large majority of E-rate applicants (87 percent) said the federally funded program is vital to their internet connectivity goals, according to an annual survey that tracks program…
Bipartisan action to rewrite CTE; Trump’s budget details
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Innovative district expands access like never before using E-rate
Thanks to a major funding refresh, one district found that it's now possible to support its one-to-one initiative without scaling back access for other services or devices. Could…
Is dark fiber in your district’s future?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began allowing E-rate applicants to apply for discounts for dark fiber and self-provisioned fiber. These ... Read more
Dark fiber could be the future of school networking
Dark fiber is helping some districts scale broadband for tomorrow, not today. Is it the future of networking?
FCC approves $9 broadband subsidy for low-income households
A recently-approved expansion of an FCC program will grant millions of low-income households a discount on internet access in an effort to help close what is becoming known…
7 things you need to know now about E-rate changes
The big changes to E-rate mean schools must chart a new path.
FCC’s plan to reclassify internet has big K-12 impact
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is proposing clear, sustainable, enforceable rules to preserve and protect the open Internet as a place for innovation and free expression. According to an…
Wi-Fi in schools: Security vs. accessibility
The very benefit of Wi-Fi in schools—easy, open access—is also the biggest threat. Is the FCC helping school administrators understand the risks, or simply doling out cash without…
eRate changes aim to cut costs, boost efficiency
Starting next year, eRate applicants will be able to see how much other schools are paying for similar kinds of services, under one of many changes designed to…
New discount method could help—or hurt—eRate applicants
The FCC’s new eRate rules include important changes in how school districts must calculate their discount percentage. Some districts stand to benefit from these changes, while others could…
How to avoid eRate rule violations
The FCC is investing millions of dollars to remove eRate waste, fraud, and abuse. Here's how to make sure you're not caught in its net.
eRate changes prompt new voice options for schools
If the FCC has its way, the eRate no longer will support voice services within the next five years, including plain old telephone service, toll-free service, and even…
Top ed-tech stories to watch: eRate gets a facelift
No. 2 on our list of key ed-tech trends for the new school year is the dramatic overhaul of the eRate, the nation’s school wiring program.
New eRate rules invite a new approach: Managed Wi-Fi
The FCC’s extensive eRate overhaul includes a new type of eligible service, managed Wi-Fi, which could lead to more outsourced networks in K-12 schools.
A $5 billion bounty: How to use eRate support for Wi-Fi
The FCC’s new eRate rules set aside $5 billion over the next five years for the equipment needed to extend broadband access within schools and libraries, including wireless…
FCC takes key step toward modernizing eRate
In a split decision along party lines, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to move ahead with a plan to modernize the eRate by increasing the amount…
BREAKING NEWS: 3 immediate ways the eRate is improving for schools
In what could be one of the most heartening examples of putting money where a mouth is, FCC chairman, Tom Wheeler, just announced that the E-Rate will change…
F.C.C. Chairman calls for transforming the technology used by phone systems
Americans could soon be one step closer to getting that videophone they were promised in the 1960s, The New York Times reports.
National leaders brainstorm for digital learning
In a move that could be considered encouraging for advocates of digital learning, leaders from the Education Department (ED), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the textbook and…
FCC opens access to social media sites for e-Rate users
Now that even the staid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has loosened its tight rein on social media networks, it’s time for more educators to use these tools to…
Universal Service reform: What it means for schools
Changes to the government's Universal Service programs will result in new broadband options for schools—but they'll also create new compliance challenges as the web of federal programs supporting…
FCC ruling brings e-Rate funding to more applicants
Several hundred more e-Rate applicants will get funding for the wiring, routers, switches, servers, and other equipment needed to bring high-speed internet access into classrooms, thanks to a…