The American Library Association (ALA) and four other nationwide library associations submitted a letter to the FCC in support of Chairman Wheeler’s proposed changes to modernize and reform the E-rate program. These organizations cited the availability of funding for Wi-Fi equipment and immediate impact on the program as factors in their support. However, they also urged the FCC to consider a higher funding formula for libraries and to continue efforts to reform the E-rate program, even beyond the current scope of the Chairman’s proposal.
Additionally, the ALA submitted a separate letter to the FCC detailing cost estimates will be needed to deploy Wi-Fi equipment in libraries. According to their recommendations, , libraries will need closer to $2.30 per square foot of funding instead of the $1 per square foot that is currently included in the proposal.
