One of the key components of the national broadband strategy proposed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is turning the so-called “anchor institutions” – schools, libraries, and government buildings – into 1Gbps centers of community access for high speed Internet.

Taking a new step in the direction of the “anchor institutions” agenda, the FCC Tuesday announced that soon the $2.25 billion E-Rate funding program will be made available to schools and libraries, helping them to gain access to unused fiber-optic connections - which are sometimes called “dark fiber” lines - around the country.

As per the explanation put forth by the draft proposal, these fiber networks, can not only enable schools and libraries “provide students and communities with cutting-edge connectivity”, but also help in “saving millions of dollars by bypassing more expensive options.”

The move will result from a proposed overhauling of the E-Rate program – also known as the Schools and Libraries Program – which has been suffering from a supposed identity crisis in the recent times. As a part of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund that offers subsidized phone service in rural areas and to low income residents, E-Rate program reimburses these institutions for computer and networking equipment.

The FCC has assured that if the changes are passed, it will become “easier for schools and libraries to get the highest speeds for the lowest prices by cutting red tape and increasing their options for broadband providers.”