FCC Cuts E-Rate Hotspot Funding

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to end E-Rate funding for library and school hotspot lending programs on September 30, a decision which the American Library Association (ALA) said threatens connectivity for millions of public library patrons who lack reliable internet access at home.

"Today, the Commission openly voted to snatch back the opportunity to offer more Americans, especially in rural areas, the high-speed internet access to do the business of life online—pay bills, make telehealth appointments, fill out school applications—after the library closes," the ALA said in a statement.

Since 1996, the E-rate program had subsidized high-speed internet services for public libraries, K–12 schools, and other public and tribal organizations. This June, the Supreme Court confirmed the constitutionality of the program, which was established by federal legislation. In an amicus brief it filed in the case, the ALA noted that more than 30 million Americans lacked reliable broadband at home, as of 2023.

"ALA is both disappointed by the FCC’s takebacks and discouraged by the lack of due process, which left no opportunity for staff, patrons and library advocates to give input on the draft order," the statement continued. While the full ramifications of the FCC decision are still unclear, ALA president Sam Helmick said that "libraries were relying on sustainable E-Rate funding" to run their hotspot programs.  

The ALA said that the FCC decision would not dissuade it from continuing to advocate for policies that expand broadband access.