FCC Expands E-Rate to Support Loaner WiFi Hotspots for Students

The Federal Communications Commission has officially approved an expansion of the E-Rate program that will allow schools and libraries to utilize E-Rate resources to loan out WiFi hotspots to students, school staff, and library patrons who lack internet access at home. The goal: ensuring that everyone has the connectivity needed for a 21st century quality education, the FCC explained in a news announcement.

"It should be the standard practice that students or anyone who can't afford internet at home can check out a WiFi hotspot from their local library," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, in a statement. "This update is how we'll help close the Homework Gap and support folks on the wrong side of the digital divide so they can fully participate in modern civic and commercial life."

The program approval comes with a few requirements, as detailed by the FCC:

  • Adoption of a budget mechanism that sets a limit on the amount of support an applicant can request for WiFi hotspots and services over a three-year period;
  • If demand for E-Rate supports exceeds available funding in a given year, eligible on-premises category one and category two equipment and service requests are to be prioritized and funded before eligible off-premises equipment and service requests;
  • Adoption of safeguards to protect the integrity of the E-Rate program, including measures to ensure the supported WiFi hotspots and services are in use, are used for educational purposes, are not funded through other sources, and are properly documented for auditing purposes; and
  • Compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.

"We commend the FCC for working to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a connected world," commented John Harrington, CEO of Funds for Learning, a consulting firm specializing in E-Rate funding. "The approval of this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to the E-Rate program, aligning it with the realities of today's educational landscape. Learning extends outside the classroom or library to homes, while on the go, and in every community space. This move empowers schools and libraries to bridge the homework gap, providing students with the resources they need to succeed academically, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location."

"Until everyone has an affordable home internet connection, hotspots are a promising alternative in most communities — and America's libraries have proven success in lending them," noted American Library Association President Cindy Hohl. "Libraries are the go-to place for millions of people who need a connection to the internet and the technology to use it. Library hotspot lending programs bridge digital divides, closing the homework gap by equipping students to complete assignments and communicate with teachers, and enabling everyone — jobseekers, adult learners, and families — to connect with community services."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • teenager’s study desk with a laptop displaying an AI symbol, surrounded by books, headphones, a notebook, and a cup of colorful pencils

    Student AI Use on the Rise, Survey Finds

    Ninety-three percent of students across the United States have used AI at least once or twice for school-related purposes, according to the latest AI in Education report from Microsoft.

  • laptop displaying a glowing digital brain and data charts sits on a metal shelf in a well-lit server room with organized network cables and active servers

    Cisco Unveils AI-First Approach to IT Operations

    At its recent Cisco Live 2025 event, Cisco introduced AgenticOps, a transformative approach to IT operations that integrates advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and collaboration across network, security, and application domains.

  • charts and graphs over a softly blurred academic-style background

    New Jersey School District Taps Otus, Discovery Education for Data Insights

    West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District in Central New Jersey has partnered with assessment and data platform Otus and ed tech company Discovery Education to better utilize data to support student achievement.