FCC Considers Role of Cybersecurity
Since the initiation of the E-Rate program, schools and libraries in the United States have been able to offset network expenditures to keep critical dollars in the classroom, educating students. As the landscape has changed, so to has the program.
In a recent proposal, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has initiated a pilot program to support cybersecurity for K12 Schools and public libraries. The pilot would take place outside of the confines of the existing E-Rate program so as not to divert resources.
The proposed pilot program is part of the more broad Learn Without Limits initiative being spearheaded by Rosenworcel. The initiative, which also seeks to add funding for bus wifi and wifi hotspots, demonstrates Rosenworcel’s continued commitment to modernization of the E-Rate program as a vehicle for meaningful impact for school districts and libraries across the country. Recognition that the cyber landscape and threat landscape has undergone significant change in the last decade is an important step to providing districts with potential reimbursement funding toward next gen firewalls or cybersecurity solutions.
