Unlike the recent Senate hearing, this week's House FCC oversight session did mention the E-Rate. It felt like the Senate version back in December was all about the Fairness Doctrine and Jimmy Kimmel. The House hearing didn't neglect Jimmy K, but they found time to mention the E-Rate twice.
Commissioner Gomez led us off (timestamp 39:55) with a mention in her opening remarks about how the removal of WiFi hotspots and bus WiFi "removed one of the most effective tools we had to help people participate in the digital economy and to avoid being left behind."
Representative Cantor brought up hotspots and buses again (2:27:45). Basically, she just asked Commissioner Gomez to confirm that stripping them out of the program was bad. Representative Tonko brought them up (3:23:23) one more time, and again Commissioner Gomez said their removal was bad.
So E-Rate was only mentioned to complain about buses and hotspots getting the boot from the program.
Actually, Chairman Carr took a swipe at hotspots (50:01) without actually saying "E-Rate" or "hotspot" by saying "we're ending any unlawful expenditures that were taking place."
Everyone made nice noises about the Universal Service Fund and how important it is, but when given the chance to tell Congress how to improve the program (50:44), Chairmain Carr pretty much punted, with some vague promises to work with Congress.
Still, a hearing where the E-Rate only gets one swipe is good hearing.
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