The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has filed an amicus brief highlighting the critical importance of the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support program, commonly known as E-Rate. Established by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, E-Rate provides essential funding to help schools and libraries, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, access affordable telecommunications and information services. SIIA’s members supply the software and hardware that rely on the broadband access and infrastructure E-Rate enables, making it a vital program for education and community connectivity.
In its brief, SIIA warns that recent legal challenges threaten to weaken E-Rate, potentially deepening the digital divide and jeopardizing affordable internet access for thousands of schools, libraries, and healthcare providers. SIIA urges the court to recognize the program’s significant role in achieving the universal service goals set forth by Congress and to safeguard the future of equitable digital access for all.
