Comments on: Eroding E-rate

Fraud threatens an FCC program for U.S. schools, libraries. House committee hears reform arguments Thursday.

We need E-Rate

I understand that the stories that have been told are all negative...I think that it is important that people realize that there are a great many more GOOD things that E-Rate has done for our kids...I agree that the program oversight should be expanded and I believe that the committee is going to take steps to improve this process...this will help to curb some of the abuses and allow for continued support for our schools and our kids

[douglasacamp]

E-Rate is Important

I can not think of one program (Federal or State) that has not has some type of abuse. The public servants who work on this (Erate) program are doing the best they can and have continued to insure that our educational system benefits.

Who's to blame? Greedy companies. Now that I have stressed this let me stress the importance on this program.

Who of us want to pay in more taxes? No one. Which country has some of the best educational programs and yet compensates its teachers so poorly? This is the same country that is the most powerful, democratic and richest county in the world.

Erate program is just one of those programs that we as taxpayers fund, and it provides part of the funding for communications in our schools.

Teachers pay is another issue that must be addressed at the State and local level.

For our children to compete in the world that we hand to them in the future they are going to need to have the best tools and opportunities we can provide. Broadband in every home, school and library, a computer or device that will allow them free access to information and opportunities.

If we want to improve a program let's stay the course, focus on improving the program, toughen the criminal laws for abusers and give each American child the best education and resources we can.

Then and only then will we have a country that will continue what our forefathers dreamed about.

Douglas Campbell

Erate isn't easy to get!

We receive 60% of our telecommunications costs through Erate each school year. This was not easy to do with the paperwork and the hoops we had to jump through. If there is any lack of tracking, it is after the money is spent. Our funds go directly to the telecommunications provider. We apply only for telecom costs and never equipment. As a rural district, we cross several lattas (telecom carriers territory)in our 200 sq. mile rural area with schools in 2 towns miles apart. We have 4-5 companies' telecom bills we have to pay making our Internet access costs very high.

There are unscrupulous people out for any money they can get from anywhere they can get it. I don't think Erate is the only victim. I also don't think doing away with Erate is the answer. Where would district come up with the funds to pay the telecom costs? We have a difficult time coming up with the funds to keep computers in the district and maintaining networks with the ongoing costs. If we are to educate our children for their future as productive workers and citizens, you can't cut the funding to support the necessary expenses to prepare them for a global economy and a global workplace.

E-RATE Another Slanted Story

When I read a story that is not balanced I have to ask myself what is the purpose for the article's publication. Since E-rate has benefited many students and schools which could not afford to add expensive technology to their programs, I think the real purpose of the "story" is to increase the profitability of long distance carriers at the public's expense.

[bdennis410]

Typical government administered program

I won't be surprised when Universal Services administrators discover further widespread fraud and abuse in the system. To design a program that is in reality a tax on everyone and fail to design operating controls to administer such a program is just typical of government.
What's worse is when I as an individual don't agree with the creation of another social service program operated with my taxes.
The premise of the USP was that service providers wouldn't offer service in rural areas without a subsidy. That's just typical liberal thinking.
And, I hate that politicians try to think for us poor folk by assuming that we wouldn't demand, and get, these services though the operation of the free marketplace.
Now we have a $2.5 Billion (that's with a "B" folks) program, cumulatively having spent over 10 Billion (that's with a "B" folks) with so much "pork" being divvied up among the players, they can't even spend it all.
Gimme a break!
Shift the responsibilty for the administration of Universal Service to the Dept of Education, or the FCC, someplace where required reporting and regulatory inspection would deter fraud and abuse.

[shockedlex]

Shift the "responsibilty"

In response to your recommendation to shift responsibility to the Dept. of Ed. or the FCC... you should do your homework. The FCC designated this program to the USAC. It WAS given to the FCC. Without social-based programs such as these, the poor will always stay poor while the rich get richer.

[mssoot]

JAFT

Its always the same just another f tax paid for all and never correctly utilized the way it should have been in the first place. In a tighter and tighter economy this BS looks more and more like the sh*t it really is.