Overview
Common Sense Media, alongside more than 80 national and state organizations, has issued a strong call to the U.S. House of Representatives to reject the repeal of the E-Rate wireless hotspot lending program. This program is vital for ensuring that students, particularly in rural and underserved areas, have access to the internet, which is essential for their education and overall well-being.
Key Features
- Advocacy for Connectivity: The coalition emphasizes that repealing the E-Rate program would jeopardize internet access for millions of students and community members.
- Support for Schools and Libraries: The program has already seen interest from nearly 20,000 schools and libraries, highlighting its importance in providing essential connectivity.
- Addressing the Homework Gap: Hotspots provided through this program help close the homework gap by ensuring students have internet access at home.
- Fiscal Responsibility: The program operates within the existing E-Rate funding cap, making it a fiscally responsible initiative.
- Broad Impact: The coalition's letter underscores the program's role in enabling access to telehealth, job resources, and emergency services, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Use Cases
- Educational Institutions: Schools and libraries can apply for hotspot support to enhance student connectivity.
- Community Support: The program aids in providing essential services to underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to information and resources.