Cities Applaud FCC Action to Increase Wi-Fi Access; One Step Closer to Comprehensive E-Rate Reform

News provided by

Jul 11, 2014, 05:40 ET

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following the vote today by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize the E-Rate program by providing $2 billion to schools to upgrade and enhance their Wi-Fi networks, National League of Cities (NLC) Executive Director Clarence Anthony issued this statement:

"I applaud Chairman Wheeler and the Commission for acting today to modernize the E-Rate system. With the expanded funding for school networks, more than 10 million kids will have access to Wi-Fi who didn't have it before. That means 10 million youth will now have access to the wealth of opportunities and resources provided by high-speed broadband networks.

"While this is a step in the right direction, comprehensive E-Rate reform is still needed to make sure that schools and libraries nationwide have the resources necessary to provide broadband access to youth and residents. We urge the Commission to continue working to move the E-Rate program into the 21^st Century, including providing long-term funding to ensure the program's success."

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081022/NLCLOGO

SOURCE National League of Cities