How an FCC program is impacting students in the 4-States

(KOAM) -- This summer, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to expand a program to provide internet hotspots to students.

According to the FCC, the E-Rate program has provided more than $7 billion in discounts for eligible schools and libraries since 2022. The program expired in June but the FCC this summer extended it to help students into next year and also expanded how it will help.

The FCC approved E-Rate funding for Wi-Fi on school buses, and starting next year, the program will expand to Wi-Fi hotspots.

How the program impacts Missouri:

• From 2022-2024, 2,421 schools and 337 libraries received $94,559,416 for broadband connectivity and internal connections.
• These programs benefited 958,925 students.
• In March 2024, 123,820 subscribers received discounted phone and/or internet service.

How the program impacts Kansas:

• From 2022-2024, 1,423 schools and 219 libraries received $64,849,419 for broadband connectivity and internal connections.
• These programs benefited 510,135 students.
• In March 2024, 26,094 subscribers received discounted phone and/or internet service.

How the program impacts Oklahoma:

• From 2022-2024, 2,075 schools and 208 libraries received $130,096,012 for broadband connectivity and internal connections.
• These programs benefited 745,041 students.
• In March 2024, 165,530 subscribers received discounted phone and/or internet service.

How the program impacts Arkansas:

• From 2022-2024, 888 schools and 129 libraries received $48,501,994 for broadband connectivity and internal connections.
• These programs benefited 437,972 students.
• In March 2024, 79,188 subscribers received discounted phone and/or internet service.

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