The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a comprehensive review of its $3 billion annual internet subsidy program for schools and libraries, citing growing concerns over excessive screen time for children. The agency indicated that the scheme could be reformed or even terminated.
FCC Chairman Announces Full Review
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the full review of the E-Rate program, with a new proposal expected this week and an initial vote scheduled for June 25. The FCC has supported school connectivity for nearly three decades.
Carr highlighted that states are already tackling excessive screen time in educational settings, with some districts removing devices and reducing usage, especially for younger students. This move follows a May warning from the Department of Health and Human Services, which issued the first-ever Surgeon General's advisory on the harms of screen use, urging parents to limit children's screen time.
Review Questions Program's Original Mission
An FCC official told reporters the review questions whether the program still fulfills its original mission and if continued funding aligns with congressional objectives. The agency is soliciting public comment on legal and policy considerations for evaluating children's screen time, safeguarding children, and empowering parents, guardians, and teachers in decisions regarding subsidized internet access.
The E-Rate program is financed by fees collected from consumers via a "Universal Service Fee" on monthly phone bills, which telecom companies pay. This scrutiny comes after the agency voted in September to end government subsidies for wireless internet on school buses, which had provided $48 million in 2024 to fund Wi-Fi for students to do homework during commutes.
Controversy Surrounds Chairman Carr
It’s the latest controversy for Carr, who faced backlash in March after he threatened broadcasters’ licenses amid President Donald Trump’s complaints about media coverage of the Iran war.
“Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions — also known as the fake news — have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr wrote Saturday on X. “The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not.”
Carr’s post included a screenshot of Trump’s earlier Truth Social rant about “fake news” and legacy media outlets’ coverage of the conflict with Iran. His warning marks the administration’s latest threat to news organizations after the president repeatedly railed against outlets over stories he doesn’t like and threatened to revoke broadcasters’ licenses for coverage he deems unfair since returning to the White House.
