Grace Meng

08/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2024 14:23

MENG HAILS FCC VOTE TO ALLOW SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES TO LOAN OUT WI-FI HOTSPOTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to modernize a key program that will allow schools and libraries to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators in Queens and across New York and the nation.

This move to modernize the agency's E-Rate program will allow students without internet access at home to connect to broadband in order to complete their schoolwork.

For years, Meng has championed efforts to boost access to the internet to help close the digital divide, and the FCC's vote comes after the Congresswoman helped create the $7.1 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund which increased broadband access to schools and libraires throughout the country including millions for those in Queens and throughout New York City. The Congresswoman also helped to pass the Affordable Connectivity Program that provided monthly discounts for internet service and internet devices to many in Queens and around the U.S., and she pushed legislation to create grant programs forschools and libraries to purchase mobile hotspots.

"The FCC's vote to modernize its E-Rate program so that hotspots can be loaned out underscores how crucial broadband is for kids and their studies in school," said Meng. "It is clear that in today's world, internet access is not a luxury but a necessity, and I'm proud to keep up the fight to secure additional resources that help more students get online, especially here in Queens. As the mother of two school-aged boys, I know firsthand just how critical this is. Each and every student in our borough and across New York and the nation is entitled to receivethe internet access they need and deserve."

In February, Meng, Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 64 of their colleagues in a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel supporting the Commission's proposal to expand the E-Rate program.