Federal Communications Commission to give schools more flexibility in using Internet subsidies

FCC to expand use of Internet subsidies in schools

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission wants to get more bang from the federal dollars that subsidize Internet access in schools and libraries by lifting some of the restrictions that come with the funds.

The FCC plans to let schools open their doors to the public after hours so that people can use subsidized Internet connections after students go home. It also plans to launch a pilot program that would let schools use the money to pay for wireless connections for electronic reading devices that can download textbooks.

The FCC will vote on the proposals for the E-Rate program on Thursday.