The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a review of the federal program that helps schools and libraries pay for internet access, placing school internet subsidies under scrutiny as concerns grow over children’s screen time.
The review focuses on the E-Rate program, a decades-old initiative that provides billions in annual discounts for internet services. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is assessing whether the program still supports education effectively while addressing rising concerns about excessive screen use among students.
This move has placed school internet subsidies under renewed scrutiny as educators, parents and policymakers debate the role of technology in classrooms.
The FCC is seeking public input on whether federally funded internet services are being used primarily for education and whether additional safeguards are needed. The agency also wants feedback on balancing digital learning with traditional teaching and ensuring children are protected online.
Created in 1996, the E-Rate program helps schools and libraries access affordable broadband, offering discounts of up to 90%. It has been especially important for rural and low-income communities, where many students rely on these networks for learning and communication.
The FCC is also weighing whether new conditions should be attached to funding, and is inviting public input on the legal and policy questions surrounding children’s screen time. The agency is seeking feedback on how best to protect students while giving parents, guardians and teachers a stronger voice in decisions about access to subsidized internet services, alongside proposals for tighter oversight and updated online safety standards.
Supporters say the review is necessary to align policy with evolving research on children’s digital habits. Critics warn that changes to school internet subsidies could harm underserved communities that depend on reliable internet access.
The FCC has opened the rulemaking process and is collecting public comments before making any decisions. The outcome could lead to updates or broader reforms to one of the nation’s largest education connectivity programs.
