NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
June 6, 2013 Priscilla Argeris, (202) 418-2400
priscilla.argeris@fcc.gov
FCC COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL ON THE CONNECTED INITIATIVE
Washington, D.C.—In response to President Barack Obama’s announcement of the 
ConnectED initiative to connect 99 percent of America’s students to high-speed broadband and 
high-speed wireless within five years and calling on the FCC to reform its E-Rate program to 
meet that goal, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel stated:
“President Obama’s ConnectED initiative recognizes that access to adequate broadband 
capacity to our schools and libraries is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for America’s next 
generation of students to be able to compete.  Through the E-Rate program, the nation’s largest 
education technology program, we have done great things to connect schools and libraries.  But 
year-in and year-out, the demand for E-Rate dollars is double the amount the Commission makes 
available, and our surveys suggest that 80 percent of schools and libraries believe their 
broadband connections do not meet their current needs.  It is time to answer the President’s call 
to upgrade the E-Rate program for the 21st Century.  It is time for E-Rate 2.0.  We need to 
protect what we have done, build on it, and put it on a course to provide higher speeds and 
greater opportunities in the days ahead.  This initiative is an exciting effort that has my 
wholehearted and enthusiastic support.” 
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