FCC Commissioner Pai issued a news release lamenting a breakdown of negotiations over proposed efforts to reform the E-rate program. In the release, Commissioner Pai criticizes Chairman Wheeler’s proposal for increasing the complexity of the program; preferring large, urban districts; and limiting local control and decisions. Commissioner Pai expressed his disappointment for “…America’s teachers, librarians, parents, students, and library patrons… who will have to wait years more for 21st-century digital opportunities…”
Update: On July 10th, Commissioner Pai provided further detail on his objections to Chairman Wheeler’s proposal, with a news release of financial projections based on the proposal. In the release, Commissioner Pai calculates a shortfall of $2.7 billion for Internet connectivity funding in the final three years of the Chairman’s proposal.
The FCC is currently scheduled to vote on Chairman Wheeler’s proposal during their open meeting on July 11th.
