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Defending the FCC’s E-Rate Hotspot Program in the House

Date postedJune 10, 2025
Posted By: Samyukta Dinesh Blogs,

Who gets to be connected in 2025?

For millions of Americans—particularly students, families, and community members in rural and underserved areas—reliable internet access is still out of reach. Whether it’s for completing homework, applying for jobs, or accessing virtual health services, a dependable connection is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

That’s why the FCC’s 2024 decision to allow E-Rate funding for wireless hotspot lending through schools and libraries was a critical step forward in closing the digital divide.

And it’s why the SHLB Coalition, alongside more than 80 national and state organizations, is urging the U.S. House of Representatives to reject S.J.Res.7 and H.J.Res.33—two Congressional Review Act resolutions that would overturn the FCC’s Order.

Read SHLB’s full letter to the U.S. House of Representatives here.

Why does the FCC’s E-Rate expansion matter?

The FCC’s Order expanded the E-Rate program to allow K-12 schools and libraries to loan wireless hotspot devices to students and families without home internet access. This is a practical way to ensure learning and access to essential services continue beyond the classroom.

Key features of the program include:

  • Funding support for hotspot lending through schools and libraries.

  • Priority for students, educators, and library patrons without home internet access.

  • Structured cost-sharing and usage monitoring requirements.

  • A funding cap of about $200 million per year, using existing E-Rate funds.

  • Safe browsing by requiring filtering pursuant to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

In short, the FCC’s 2024 Order expanded the E-Rate program to help schools and libraries loan out mobile hotspots to those who need them most. This isn’t about unlimited data plans for everyone, it’s about providing internet access to allow a student to submit homework, a parent to apply for jobs, or a veteran to complete an online course.

More than 80 organizations like the National Education Association, American Library Association (ALA), National Rural Education Association, and National Digital Inclusion Alliance signed the letter to Congress backing this policy. 

That breadth of support isn’t just symbolic, it reflects how widespread the need is.

What does hotspot lending look like on the ground?

Across the country, schools and libraries have seen firsthand the value of hotspot lending.

In rural Princeton, Texas, the Lois Nelson Public Library loaned a hotspot to a college student who was unable to attend classes in person due to an injury and lacked home internet. The device enabled her to stay enrolled and complete her coursework remotely.

In Oakland, California, public schools were able to get 98 percent of their student population connected through the distribution of 11,500 Wi-Fi hotspots and devices—closing connectivity gaps across the district. For reference, only 82 percent of students nationwide have internet access through a desktop, laptop, or tablet at home.

This is the kind of quiet but powerful work happening across the country. SHLB found that in the most recent E-Rate application window, over 8,000 schools and libraries requested funding to support 200,000+ hotspot connections in 46 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The demand is national and urgent. 

What happens if the program is repealed?

If S.J.Res.7 or H.J.Res.33 passes, the consequences will be immediate and far-reaching:

  • The FCC will be required to reject currently pending hotspot applications.

  • Educators will be forced to limit digital learning assignments, particularly in Title I schools.

  • Vulnerable populations such as veterans, adult learners, and rural residents will lose a critical lifeline for accessing education, jobs, and services.

  • Children may turn to unfiltered, unsecure public Wi-Fi options lacking protections under CIPA.

  • Future FCCs will never be able to reinstitute the hotspot program.

Hotspot lending works, and this program is cost-effective, secure, and responsive to community needs. Blocking it would set a dangerous precedent undermining both education and broadband policy. Congress should uphold the FCC’s decision and protect the tools that are closing the digital divide.

The House vote is expected soon on this resolution. Schools and libraries wishing to contact their House representatives can use the following resources:

The House still has the power to stop this. By rejecting these resolutions, the House can protect a proven solution and ensure schools and libraries remain strong resources for connectivity and opportunity.

To stay informed or get involved, visit shlb.org and follow our updates on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, or X.

For any questions related to this blog, please reach out to: sdinesh@shlb.org

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