E&W Blog

During this unprecedented health crisis, our nation’s schools, students, and teachers are grappling with unique challenges. The novel coronavirus has led to at least 114,000 school closures, affecting over 50 million students, so students are turning to online learning.

But they face a roadblock. Current federal rules prohibit schools from accepting anything of value—like improved Wi-Fi hotspots and networking gear—from service providers.

This week the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took action and announced it will waive this “gift rule” – allowing schools, students, teachers, and others to obtain free broadband connections and devices for remote online learning purposes.

Simply put, as schools begin relying more on e-connectivity during these trying times, online learning will become more accessible for students and teachers, including those in rural communities.

In a press release announcing this action, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said:

“…As the number of school closures continues to grow, schools are increasingly turning to remote learning for students who will be home for an extended period of time…We strongly encourage service providers and equipment makers to partner with schools and libraries to provide mobile hotspots and other broadband-enabled devices to students to help bridge the digital divide during the coronavirus pandemic.”

To read the FCC’s full press release, click HERE.

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