FEDERAL COM M UN !CATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The llonorable Glenn Thompson U.S. I louse of Representatives 124 Cannon I louse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Thompson: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within theE-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11th, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, the E-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COM M UN !CATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Lou Barletta U.S. I louse of Representatives 115 Cannon I louse Office Bui I ding Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Barletta: July 22,2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11 lh, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sincere!~ ~~~ler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF T H E CHAIR MAN The llonorable Robert Brady U.S. llousc of Representatives I 02 Cannon llouse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Brady: July 22,2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be afier the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11th, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. llowever, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFfiCE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable G.K. Butterfield U.S. House of Representatives 2305 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Butterfield: July 22,2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July II th, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. IIowcvcr, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, the E-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The I lonorable Matt Cartwright U.S. I louse of Representatives 1419 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Cartwright: July 22,2014 Thank you for your Jetter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as the E-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July ll 1h, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. llowever, l firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in thi s important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me i r you have any further concerns. Sincerely, ~! -~e&r y F E DERAL COMMUNICATION S COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRM AN The Honorable Steve Cohen U.S. House of Representatives 2404 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Cohen: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your Jetter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within theE-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that aJJ schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July IILh, approximately half of the program doJiars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. ::if~ Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE C HAIRMAN The Honorable Eliot Engel U.S. I louse of Representatives 2161 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Engel : July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission ' s efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within theE-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that aJI schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July llth, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, the E-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFF ICE OF THE CHAIRM AN The Honorable Chaka Fattah U.S. House of Representatives 2301 Rayburn Ilouse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Fattah: July 22,2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. r agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11th, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. I Iowever, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON O F"F"ICE OF" TH E CHAI RMAN The Honorable Mike Kelly U.S. House of Representatives 1519 Longworth I louse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Kelly: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's eiTorts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within theE-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July lith, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal -broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. I Jowever, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools. In add ition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF T H E C H AIRM AN The llonorable Scott Peters U.S. llouse of Representatives 241 0 Rayburn I louse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Peters: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July llt1\ approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access the new rules arc phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-ratc program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. I lowever, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, the E-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must aJlocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. , ~ eclcr FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Ilonorable Chellie Pingree U.S. I louse of Representatives 1318 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Pingree: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11th, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, the E-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools. In addition to funds already available for thi s purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or Library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. ,-Sincerelut/ ~eeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS C O MM ISS ION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIR MAN The llonorable Carol Shea-Porter U.S. I louse of Representatives 1530 Longworth I louse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congresswoman Shea-Porter: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission' s eiTorts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within theE-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services arc a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be afier the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11 th, approximately halfofthe program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools. In addition to funds already avai lable for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. :_;_~/;J Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFIC E OF T H E CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bill Shuster U.S. House of Representatives 2209 Rayburn I louse Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Shuster: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services arc a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July llt11 , approximately halfofthe program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. However, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, theE-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America' s schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-cnabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. ;_nccrely~~ ~ ~/1.'1: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OI'F"ICE OF" THE CHAIR M AN The I Ionorable Juan Vargas U.S. House of Representatives 1605 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Vargas: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within theE-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. 1 agree that web hosting services are a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11Lh, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. ln order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access - the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. I lowever, 1 firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, the E-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America 's schools. In addition to funds already available for this purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. 734?--~heeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON O FFIC E OF TH E C HAIRMAN The Honorable Peter Visclosky U.S. House of Representatives 2256 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Visclosky: July 22, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing support for the schools and libraries universal service support program, known as theE-rate program, and the Commission's efforts to modernize the program. Your letter urges the Commission to continue funding web hosting as a priority one service within the E-rate program on the basis that web hosting plays a critical role in enabling schools to perform critical educational functions, such as community engagement, emergency communications, digital learning, and parental involvement. I agree that web hosting services arc a valuable tool for school districts today and will continue to be after the Commission takes steps to modernize the program. The issue we face is how best to prioritize the limited E-rate dollars so that all schools have the necessary underlying broadband connectivity. Prior to the changes we adopted on July 11 111, approximately half of the program dollars went to non-broadband activities, including web hosting. In order to maximize funding for the principle goal - broadband access the new rules are phasing out support for non-broadband services. Schools need this broadband to take advantage of digital learning technologies, and libraries need to provide their patrons with high-speed access to the Internet. I recognize that the E-rate program has previously supported a variety of services, such as web hosting. I lowever, I firmly believe that, in order to meet educational needs, the E-rate program must place a priority on ensuring that every school in America has a high-speed broadband connection and high-speed Wi-Fi in every classroom, and we must allocate funds accordingly. The Order adopted by the Commission at our July Open Meeting takes significant steps to address the Wi-Fi gap in America's schools. In addition to funds already available for thi s purpose, the Order utilizes savings associated with transitioning support from non-broadband services to broadband. Given that 40 percent of classrooms are not currently Wi-Fi-enabled, and nearly two-thirds of schools indicate that they do not have sufficient Wi-Fi capacity to meet their digital learning needs, it is critically important that we focus our limited program resources on connectivity, not just to the school or library, but to the student or library patron. Thank you again for your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. Sincerely,