By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 2-12-21
Some top Republican senators are pressing Acting FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel for more details on the FCC’s proposal to open up its E-Rate broadband subsidy funds to home broadband service and devices, suggesting they are concerned about the viability of the overarching Universal Service Fund subsidy program.
They want to know how that E-rate expansion program – funded by taxes on consumers’ telecom bills – dovetails with billions of dollars elsewhere allocated to remote learning by Congress, including for home service and devices.
The request came in a letter to Rosenworcel Friday (Feb. 12) from Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, joined by former committee chairman John Thune (R-S.D.). » Read More