Hill Bill Targets Distance Learning Dollars to Higher Ed

Some Democratic House members have introduced a bill to fund distance learning for higher education, mirroring an effort in the Senate. 

The Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act would provide $1 billion to colleges and universities for distance learning for students "in need." 

Related: Dems Seek Big E-Rate Boost

The money would be targeted to schools serving Blacks Hispanics, tribes, and rural students eligible for need-based financing (like Pell grants). 

The money can be used for broadband service but also for routers, modems, WiFi hotspots, tablets or laptops. 

The bill mirrors one introduced in the Senate by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and others. 

“I’m proud to introduce this legislation to provide funding to higher education institutions so that they can support the students who are in greatest need by directly paying for broadband plans, equipment needed to connect to the internet, and internet-connected devices," said Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). 

John Eggerton

Contributing editor John Eggerton has been an editor and/or writer on media regulation, legislation and policy for over four decades, including covering the FCC, FTC, Congress, the major media trade associations, and the federal courts. In addition to Multichannel News and Broadcasting + Cable, his work has appeared in Radio World, TV Technology, TV Fax, This Week in Consumer Electronics, Variety and the Encyclopedia Britannica.