FCC considers axing $2 billion school and library internet connectivity scheme — Chairman blames tablets for moving kids away from "turning pages in books, penciling out answers to math problems"

• FCC Chairman seeks public consultation regarding E-Rate program
• Introduced in 1997, it offers schools 20-90% discounts on internet
• School bus Wi-Fi has already been pulled amid educational impact concerns

The FCC is considering ending the long-running E-Rate program in the US, which currently provides around $2 billion annually to help public facilities like schools and libraries pay for internet connections and networking infrastructure.

Chairman Brendan Carr has ordered a review of the scheme to determine whether it still fulfils its original purpose.

It launched in 1997 as a way to democratize access to internet during the web's infancy, but rising screen time is now being slated for impacting education.

FCC worries about internet's impact on schoolchildren

Carr referenced research that linked excessive screen use with lower reading performance, declining math scores, poorer cognitive development and more distraction.

"More than half of students now use a computer for up to four...

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