The Federal Communications Commission voted along party lines to expand the list of services available under its E-Rate subsidy program for schools and libraries.

The FCC announced that it will vote next month on the $200 million pilot Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Program.

Two FCC commissioners have expressed dissent against the proposed changes to the E-Rate program, arguing they would extend powers beyond the scope of the agency.

With enough support from other commissioners, the FCC could approve E-Rate funds for schools to be used on cybersecurity upgrades.

The Vice Society ransomware outfit, the subject of a recent CISA advisory, said it attacked the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Amy McLaughlin, head of the cybersecurity program at K-12 tech group CoSN, said E-Rate needs to be updated to cover network defenses.

The new fund for schools and libraries to improve their internet and devices was approved as part of the American Rescue Plan.

Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and many educators continue pressing for expansion of the FCC's E-Rate program, which is currently limited to funding schools and libraries, but Chairman Ajit…

New Mexico's decentralized broadband governance structure is delaying progress in connecting rural areas of the state, officials concluded.

The project was originally to cost taxpayers $30 million, but a recent audit found changes to procurement rules have placed a much bigger burden on the state.