In comments to the Federal Communications Commission about the proposed E-Rate rulemaking, NASBE identified challenges facing districts and states in the technology arena as posited in our Born in Another Time study group report, including the absence of high-speed broadband access in many schools.

Further, NASBE’s letter made specific recommendations on the program, including:

• (E-Rate’s) annual cap should be raised to support the extension of high-capacity broadband connections to all classrooms;
• The application process should be simplified to reduce administrative burdens on applicants and steps should be taken to promote greater collaboration;
• Minimum connectivity speeds should be identified to define and measure progress toward “Broadband that Supports Digital Learning”; and
• Digital equity must continue to be a core value of the program.

The full text of the remarks can be downloaded below.