CWA Statement on the Proposal by FCC Chair Wheeler to Raise the E-Rate Cap

The Communications Workers of America supports FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's proposal to raise the cap on E-Rate funding. High-speed Internet connectivity is critical for 21st century schools and libraries, yet the E-Rate is stuck at 1998 funding levels. Chairman Wheeler's proposed $1.5 billion annual increase in funding for schools and libraries -- which will bring total E-Rate funding to $3.9 billion a year -- will cost consumers a mere 16 cents a month on their phone bills. This is a small price to pay to bring our schools and libraries the high-speed Internet connectivity they need.