Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER GEOFFREY STARKS,
 CONCURRING

Re:	Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries, WC Docket No. 13-184, 
Report and Order
The E-Rate program is a vital tool in fighting internet inequality.  In 2018 alone, it distributed over $2.1 billion in support to connect schools and libraries across the country to broadband.  While today’s Order takes meaningful steps towards ensuring the efficient distribution of E-Rate support, we still have work to do.  Five years ago, the Commission established a goal of 1 Mbps internet access per student.  Unfortunately, 62 percent of school districts still do not meet that standard.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to achieve that goal.
Many thanks to the staff of the Wireline Competition Bureau for their work on this item.


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