The FCC will use existing money to immediately begin...

The FCC will use existing money to immediately begin to expand E-rate funding, specifically targeting high-speed connectivity to students in schools and libraries, Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a blog post Friday (http://fcc.us/1mS7W1B). The money will be spent this year, and won’t affect the program’s existing structures or the 2014 program application process now underway, he said. As the commission revamps the program, any improvements must include strong oversight and enforcement, Wheeler said. That’s to “ensure every dollar that is intended to reach schools and libraries gets there and gets the job done,” he said. Improvements will be structural and administrative, and will be designed to focus support on broadband services while making the program more efficient, he said. Wheeler said he agreed with Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel that “without adequate capacity our students are going to fall short” and will be “unable to realize the full potential of digital learning.” Wheeler said he looks forward to making sure “American students get the 21st Century education they deserve.”