July 22nd, 2024 by WCBC Radio
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel visited West Baltimore to highlight recent efforts to expand internet access for Marylanders and Americans without a reliable connection at home. Joined by Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott at the Enoch Pratt Library Walbrook Branch, the officials discussed the FCC’s recent vote of approval to expand the E-Rate Program, permitting libraries to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators so they can access the internet from anywhere.
As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government – which oversees funding for the FCC – Senator Van Hollen has long supported the E-Rate Program, having both led a letter and released a statement on the importance of expanding it. Over the years, Maryland schools and libraries have received nearly $670 million from the Program.
“In today’s world, reliable high-speed internet is nothing short of a necessity. That’s why together we worked to expand access to Wi-Fi hotspots and empower more students and educators to get online – wherever they are. This new expansion will provide greater internet access to our communities and bolster our efforts to end the homework gap and bridge the digital divide,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“The digital divide affects many communities in rural areas, urban centers, and everywhere in between. The situation is particularly stark for low-income students who lack internet access at home and face significant disadvantages in school compared to their more fortunate classmates. But thanks to the leadership of Senator Van Hollen, champion of the Emergency Connectivity Fund, we are working to reduce educational disparities and help ensure that no student is left behind. Last week, the FCC successfully voted to modernize the E-Rate program to support Wi-Fi hotspots for loan in libraries nationwide,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “It’s time we live up to one of the founding promises of our nation and help make sure every child has the resources they need to succeed.”
“Closing the digital divide is one of the most important civil rights issues of our time – especially in our city, where digital access has been a challenge for so many young people, families, and whole neighborhoods,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “In Baltimore, we’ve done incredible work in expanding access through our Digital Inclusion Strategy and our ARPA-funded Digital Equity Fund – but solving this issue will take all of us. I’m proud to have partners in Senator Van Hollen, the entire Maryland Congressional Delegation, the Enoch Pratt Free Library system, and the FCC under Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s leadership. Together, we can close the digital divide and ensure all Baltimoreans are equipped and ready to thrive in the digital world.”
“The Pratt Library is one of the largest providers of free internet in the state of Maryland. This expansion of the E-Rate program will allow the Pratt to continue providing critically needed hot spots for thousands of people who do not have reliable access to the internet inside their homes. We are grateful for Senator Van Hollen’s leadership on this issue to help break down the barriers to access for all Marylanders,” said Enoch Pratt Free Library Interim CEO Darcell Graham.
Senator Van Hollen has long worked to close the digital divide, including by introducing legislation to close the Homework Gap in 2020 and by working to create the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) within the American Rescue Plan. This $7 billion program provided equipment for students and educators to connect to the internet at home – and invested $145 million in Maryland. Following the end of the ECF last month, the modernized E-Rate Program will help students and teachers get and stay online.
Established in 1996, the E-Rate Program has provided discounts to assist schools and libraries in obtaining affordable telecommunications and internet access. Over the years, the program has been modernized to focus support on bringing high-speed broadband to and within schools and libraries. The FCC’s latest action, passed on Thursday July 18, will help students gain access to educational resources that may have been previously out of reach. The Commission also adopted numerous safeguards to protect the integrity of the E-Rate Program, including measures to ensure the supported Wi-Fi hotspots and services are in use, are used for educational purposes, are not funded through other sources, and are properly documented for auditing purposes.
More information on the E-Rate expansion can be found here.
The Enoch Pratt Walbrook Branch began in 1903 when Pratt started using a streetcar waiting shed to dispatch books to the community. In 1907, the branch moved into a former church building, and became the first public building in Walbrook. A new building was opened at 3203 West North Avenue in April 1957. In 2024, the Walbrook branch reopened after renovations including a new HVAC system and reconfigured public space, with funding by American Rescue Plan funding through the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs, as well as private support.
