CEOs join forces to support eRate modernization

In a joint letter to the FCC, the executives highlight the critical need to prepare America’s students for the knowledge economy, contending that robust internet access in schools is the foundation necessary to equip the nation’s youth to compete in tomorrow’s workforce.

The CEOs recommend that the FCC take swift action to modernize the eRate program by focusing on high-speed broadband, using capital investments to dramatically lower the cost of bandwidth for schools, and increasing transparency and accountability.

“This group of leading CEOs, innovators, and investors understands well the importance of making wise investments today to help us prosper tomorrow, and they are boldly calling on the FCC to ensure that the federal E-Rate program does just that,” said Evan Marwell, CEO of EducationSuperHighway. “Our nation’s businesses have been radically transformed by technology and our schools must keep pace to prepare our youth for the knowledge economy.”

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan applauded the recent support from America’s CEOs: “Providing our schools and students access to high-speed broadband is vital to their future and that makes it everybody’s business. I appreciate the work and thought of these leaders in helping to move forward the President’s ConnectED vision to provide modern tools to nearly all of our students and teachers in the next five years. By doing that, they are helping our students be prepared to compete for jobs in the 21st century global economy.”