A contentious debate is unfolding surrounding the effort to provide internet access on public school buses. Jessica Rosenworcel, the Democratic Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is proposing a rule clarification that would make buses eligible for discounted Wi-Fi access through the E-Rate program, aimed at bridging the homework gap. With the recent confirmation of Anna Gomez, the FCC now has a full board and can move forward with Rosenworcel’s plans. However, key Republicans in the House and Senate Commerce committees have voiced opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about increased access to risky social media apps without proper supervision. Supporters of the expansion argue that the opposition’s claims are unsubstantiated.
The debate over Wi-Fi on school buses has gained traction as online assignments have become more prevalent, especially during the pandemic. According to Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking, students spend an average of 40 minutes on school buses, making internet access crucial for completing homework. Krueger emphasizes that adding Wi-Fi to buses is not a wasteful expense and highlights the effectiveness of the E-Rate program in minimizing waste. While districts with shorter bus rides may not take full advantage of the program, rural schools with longer rides would benefit greatly.
Advocates for school bus Wi-Fi argue that it would also be beneficial for student athletes who often return from events late at night. However, Republicans, such as Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz and House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, express concern about unsupervised access to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram during bus rides. Some argue that these concerns have already been addressed through strict content filters. Companies like Kajeet, which provides and monitors Wi-Fi on school buses, have implemented stringent filters to ensure safe internet usage. Data from Kajeet customers, including Billy Huish, transportation director for the Farmington Municipal Schools in New Mexico, demonstrate the effectiveness of these filters in blocking banned platforms.
Furthermore, school bus Wi-Fi has additional benefits beyond homework completion. Supporters claim that it helps mitigate behavioral issues and improve student discipline. Huish reports a decrease in fights on buses and increased driver availability since implementing Wi-Fi. Despite his strong belief in the importance of internet access on school buses, Huish prefers not to use E-Rate funding for bus Wi-Fi to allow other schools in need to benefit from the program.
Congressional Republicans, as well as some FCC commissioners, oppose the expansion of the E-Rate program to cover school buses. However, with a Democratic majority in the FCC, the extension is expected to move forward. Congressional Republicans may explore other options, such as using the Congressional Review Act to overturn FCC rules. However, any action taken by Congress would face challenges due to Democratic support for the proposal. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) applauds the FCC’s efforts to avoid a technological disparity between wealthy and underserved students.
While there is a possibility that Republicans could reverse the expansion in 2024 if they regain control, previous updates to the E-Rate program have remained intact. Former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler argues that this indicates the program’s widespread support and recognizes the importance of investing in the education of our youth, our most critical national asset.
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