In opening this rulemaking, theFCC has taken amajor step toward modernizing the E-Rate program.  

Since its inception 15 years ago, E-rate has connected over 100,000 schools and millions of children to the Internet in all 50 states.  It's the cornerstone of America's efforts to provide quality digital education to students, and its track record has been nothing short of amazing.

But given the rapidly changing technology environment, E-Rate needs to keep up with the times and ensure that our children have the skills necessary to compete in the globally connected marketplace.  Other countries are making major investments in digital education.  For the sake of our children, we need to do the same. 

Cisco stands ready to work with the FCC to modernize and streamline the program.