[1st-mile-nm] Udall Calls on FCC to Make Wi-Fi Available on School Buses

[Richard Lowenberg]

Inspired by Hatch HS Student, Udall Calls on FCC to Make Wi-Fi Available 
on School Buses

Rural and low-income students at risk of falling behind in school 
because they lack internet access at home

October 3, 2016
https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2439

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall called on the Federal 
Communications Commission (FCC) to do more to ensure all students in New 
Mexico and across the country have equal access to the internet for 
educational and economic opportunity. Specifically, Udall wrote in a 
letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the FCC should extend the successful 
E-rate program, which pays for internet access in schools, and provide 
Wi-Fi on school buses so students can have more time to do their 
homework.

While the E-Rate program has helped ensure schools are equipped with 
broadband internet, a third of New Mexico households - and homes across 
the country - still lack access, either because families can't afford it 
or because it simply isn't available. But with seven in 10 teachers 
nationwide assigning homework that requires internet access, students 
without access at home are now at an unfair disadvantage to their peers.

"Broadband should help create educational opportunities for these 
children, not a new barrier to their success at school," Udall wrote to 
Wheeler.

(snip)


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Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director
1st-Mile Institute     505-603-5200
Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504,
rl at 1st-mile.org     www.1st-mile.org
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