Breaking Down Barriers: FCC Opens Doors with E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspots

July 22, 2024

Unlocking Digital Learning Everywhere

In a world where being connected matters, the FCC just handed students a powerful tool. On July 18, 2024, they voted to expand the E-Rate program, allowing schools to tap into federal funds for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless services — both in and out of the classroom. Say goodbye to the homework gap!

E-Rate in a Nutshell

The E-Rate program has been around since the ’90s, helping schools and libraries get online. Now it’s leveling up.

What’s New?

Wi-Fi Hotspots get funding: Schools will be able to use E-Rate money to lend out Wi-Fi hotspots. Picture a student who once had connectivity issues when they left school grounds, now being able to finish homework at a relative’s, community center, or home. It’s like Wi-Fi magic.
Safety First: The FCC maintains everyone must still play safe online. So, E-Rate support aligns with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Protection matters. Educators must keep kids safe in the digital playground.

Lightspeed: Your Homework Gap Hero

We’re here to help! Lightspeed Systems provides IT teams the real-time device connectivity data to create an effective WiFi hotspot initiative. While the FCC finalizes how the new funding will be allocated, here is how Lightspeed Digital Insight™ will allow you to build an effective program with the new funding:

Real-Time Device Connectivity Insights: Lightspeed Digital Insight’s Digital Equity module provides student-specific internet access data ,giving school technology teams real-time, device-level detail on who needs Wi-Fi most. Targeted help, anyone?
App Usage Intel: The E-rate expansion requires that these off-premises devices must be “integral, immediate and proximate to the education of students.” Lightspeed Digital Insight connects the dots on students who are using the hotspots and their digital learning activity. With detailed app usage analytics during and after school hours, you have insight into whether interventions are being used in alignment with grant terms. It’s like having x-ray vision for tech.
Privacy Tools: We’re all about helping districts maintain compliance. We even track applications’ privacy policy changes and alert you, so you don’t have to. Keep things secure while making the most of funding.

Don’t forget that providing safe and CIPA-compliant online learning is required. Lightspeed Filter™ meets these requirements, including when students use hotspots. Our robust content filtering for schools ensures device level filtering on school-managed devices, BYOD, or IoT so IT teams easily promote learning and exploration – on and off the network – while meeting regulations and maintaining user privacy.