FCC launches sweeping review of $3B school internet subsidy program over screen time concerns

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Wednesday it is launching a sweeping review of its school internet subsidy E-Rate program, citing concerns that increased screen time in schools may be contributing to declining academic performance. The E-Rate program provides roughly $3 billion annually in discounts for internet access and related connectivity services for eligible schools and libraries. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called the review necessary at a time when screen time use ha