LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RAISES ALARM ABOUT BROADBAND CRISIS

摘要

Libraries have a "broadband crisis" because of increased demand for users and the growing number of bandwidth-intensive applications, combined with limited resources to meet growing needs, the American Library Association told the FCC. The association said the commission must increase the current $2.25 billion cap on the E-rate program for libraries to keep providing broadband access to their communities. "The required funds necessary to support the Congressional intent of the E-rate program were severely underestimated," the associations said. "Immediate steps should be taken to increase the size of the fund to meet the intent of the program. While demand information exists for the twelve years of the program, it should be noted that current program demand does not provide an accurate representation of need. Many eligible entities do not participate due to program complexity or specific requirements. Other entities have ceased filing for certain services given the knowledge that funds are unavailable for their requests."