The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to kickstart a three year pilot program that would study the use of agency funding to support cybersecurity services and equipment for school and library networks.
The unanimous vote allows the agency to devote up to $200 million from its Universal Service Fund toward school and library applicants that request better equipment and services to help stop cyberattacks against such institutions.
USF is a funding tool that supports internet costs for eligible low-income entities, including schools. The commission has mainly relied on a longstanding E-Rate program to provide funding for schools and libraries, though the funds for the new pilot program are separate “to ensure gains in enhanced cybersecurity do not undermine E-Rate’s success in connecting schools and libraries and promoting digital equity,” an agency statement said.
