CoSN CEO Keith Krueger today issued the following statement applauding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval of the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program’s implementing regulations.
 
The more than $7 billion in E-rate funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will be used to improve remote learning and minimize the United States’ persistent “Homework Gap” — the lack of devices and broadband connectivity at home for students.
 
“CoSN welcomes the FCC’s unanimous approval of the Emergency Connectivity Fund’s implementing regulations. School district technology leaders are excited that yesterday’s decision lays out the plan for distributing the funds to address the Homework Gap. We commend Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and the entire Commission for this important step toward universal broadband and device access for learning.
 
“Last week, CoSN issued important new findings from our study on Student Home Connectivity using actual data from 750,000 students learning remotely from home. Those findings can inform school district leaders about the challenges of remote learning, including the importance of robust connectivity, sufficient computing devices and other essential aspects of home connectivity. There is no one solution to meet the needs of every student.
 
“Thanks to congressional leaders like Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), this action serves as an important first step in solving the Homework Gap and addressing digital equity for students.”
 
The CoSN Student Home Connectivity Study can be read at www.cosn.org/digitalequity.
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heidi Payter, hpayter@fratelli.com, 202-822-9491
 
About CoSN 
 
CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. cosn.org