Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2026) — CoSN — the Consortium for School Networking today released the below statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announced review of the E-Rate program.
For over 30 years, E-Rate has helped ensure that students and educators, regardless of zip code, have access to the connectivity needed for teaching, learning, assessment, communication, and school operations. The program remains essential as schools meet evolving educational needs and prepare students for an increasingly digital world.
School districts are actively working with parents, educators, and students to develop thoughtful approaches that promote safe, responsible technology use while supporting learning. Because districts vary widely in resources and student needs, decisions about device rules, screen-time expectations, and instructional technology are best made locally, not through one-size-fits-all mandates that could harm students, especially those in rural or low-income communities, and create unnecessary administrative burdens for schools.
As the FCC begins its review, CoSN encourages policymakers to carefully distinguish between E-Rate’s support for essential educational connectivity and broader concerns about the unstructured use of technology outside of school for entertainment and other non-educational purposes. CoSN also encourages the FCC to continue prioritizing areas where it can make a significant contribution to student safety, including helping schools strengthen cybersecurity protections and address the growing threat of cyberattacks.
CoSN looks forward to working with the FCC, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to ensure that schools can continue providing safe, responsible, and effective digital learning environments for all students.
Media Contact: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
