The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to preserve and modernize the E-Rate program, warning that reducing federal connectivity support could strain school district budgets and weaken cybersecurity protections.
In comments filed with the FCC on Oct. 13, CoSN opposed proposals to terminate or scale back E-Rate, calling instead for expanded cybersecurity funding and support for backup internet connections. The organization, which represents more than 2,000 school districts serving 14 million students, also pushed to keep classroom technology decisions under local control.
The filing responds to an FCC proposal that questions whether E-Rate should be reduced as broadband access has expanded in schools and libraries. CoSN argued that the program’s success does not eliminate the need for continued federal investment, noting that broadband subscriptions, equipment replacements, and network maintenance create recurring costs for districts.
“E-Rate has been successful because it has provided schools with the reliable connectivity they need to serve students and educators,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN, in an Oct. 14 press release. “That success is not a reason to pull back.”
Cybersecurity is another major focus of the filing. CoSN urged the FCC to make cybersecurity products and services permanently eligible for E-Rate funding, rather than relying solely on temporary initiatives such as the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.
The organization also recommended allowing funding for redundant or backup broadband connections to maintain operations during outages.
Additionally, CoSN opposed potential federal restrictions on classroom technology use, arguing that decisions about digital assessments, accessibility tools, and instructional technology should remain with educators, school boards, and families.
The organization pointed to the Children’s Internet Protection Act as an existing federal framework for protecting students online while preserving local decision-making authority.
“As technology becomes more deeply integrated into teaching, learning, and school operations, schools need networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure and resilient,” Krueger said. “The FCC should build on what works by preserving E-Rate and modernizing it to meet the needs of today’s schools.”
