FCC launches sweeping review of $3B school internet subsidy program over screen time concerns

The E-Rate program provides roughly $3 billion annually in discounts for internet access and related connectivity services for eligible schools and libraries.

Carr said the review is also intended to empower parents who may have little awareness of how technology is being used in their children's classroom.

"So that is part of the FCC's proceeding is to look at how do we empower parents and make sure that they know what's happening with these connections that are funded by this federal program," Carr continued.

Carr said the FCC wants to ensure the E-Rate program is supporting "positive, good educational outcomes, not distractions or poor performance." He said the agency is conducting a "top to bottom review" of the program and remains open to a range of possible reforms.

He said the review could ultimately lead to new guardrails for the program, transparency requirements or funding changes, or other reforms designed to ensure federally subsidized internet services align with what he described as the "best science" on educational outcomes.

The FCC is scheduled to vote June 25 on whether to formally open the review and seek public comment on potential changes to the program.