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E-rate program status and future connectivity plans for libraries and schools
1:02:47
ยท
133 sec
Council Member Gale Brewer expresses concern about the future of the E-rate program for libraries and schools, particularly in light of potential federal changes. Matthew C. Fraser discusses the city's focus on securing access and reducing dependency on external providers.
- E-rate program is still in place for libraries and schools
- Concerns raised about potential federal changes to the program
- OTI is working on new initiatives to secure connectivity for students, similar to the Big Apple Connect program
- Fraser hints at an upcoming announcement regarding connectivity efforts for schools
Gale Brewer
1:02:47
Second, just, E rate.
1:02:50
I don't know.
1:02:50
I assume that libraries, etcetera, still have E rate in schools.
1:02:55
Is that true?
1:02:56
And is there some worry about it, etcetera, with the feds?
Matthew C. Fraser
1:03:01
I believe, as you said, that they still do have e rate.
1:03:05
I'm I'm I'm is is there a concern about them losing it?
Gale Brewer
1:03:10
Well, it's called mister Trump.
1:03:11
Yeah.
1:03:12
Oh.
1:03:12
I mean, I worry because it's a kind of program that makes it, you know, possible to have library connectivity and school connect etcetera.
1:03:20
I just didn't know if you knew any more about it than I do.
Matthew C. Fraser
1:03:23
Yep.
1:03:23
So I I I think connectivity as a whole, as we've seen over the last couple of years pre Trump on the federal level, the last administration defunded ACP.
1:03:34
I think for us, we we are very focused on the New York City population to see what we can do on securing access and putting us in control of our own destiny.
1:03:44
We've got a couple of things that we're working on right now, especially around students that we are excited to get out and talk about which will put them on a similar path to what we've done with programs like Big Apple Connect where we funded connectivity, we funded access, and we've removed our dependency on external providers from doing so.
1:04:10
In terms of what the federal government's plans are and like how are they gonna impact libraries, I I have no specific knowledge in that space any greater than you do.
1:04:19
And I'm I'm a big believer that connectivity and access is fundamental.
1:04:24
And if you take that away from kids, it it basically closes a lot of doors
Gale Brewer
1:04:30
No.
1:04:30
I agree.
1:04:30
I mean, e rate has been great.
1:04:32
So I guess I'm always just worried given the circumstances.
1:04:34
So Yep.
1:04:35
Love to know what your ideas are for libraries and schools.
1:04:38
It's free for them.
Matthew C. Fraser
1:04:39
So Yep.
1:04:40
So I I think what as we get closer to the next announcement, I I gladly sit down and and everyone here has been a big big supporter of providing access to those that need it.
1:04:56
And I think one of the things that we're doing with schools very soon, think you'll you'll you'll be very supportive of.
Gale Brewer
1:05:01
Okay.