Monday, July 7, 2014

Teachers Threaten to Derail WiFi Push

Educators are threatening to derail the Obama administration’s proposals to boost wireless Internet in schools over fears districts could be left with inadequate funds or cuts to other services, according to TheHill.

A new plan from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler would funnel $5 billion for Wi-Fi over the next five years through the agency’s E-Rate program.

The FCC is set to vote on the plan at its monthly meeting on July 11, but sources now say it’s unclear if it has the votes to pass.

Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and Republican Commissioner Ajit Pai have advocated for reforms to the E-Rate program, but it's unclear if either will support Wheeler's proposal as currently written.

Sources said the plan’s specifics are in flux as Wheeler works to rally support from other commissioners and advocacy groups ahead of Friday’s vote.


The Wi-Fi plan follows President Obama’s push to increase connectivity in schools, with wireless access a priority. The ConnectED initiative launched last year aims to get 99 percent of U.S. students “next-generation” Internet access by 2017.

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