SHLB Disappointed in FCC Proposals to End Remote Connectivity

Washington, D.C. (September 3, 2025) – The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is disappointed by today’s proposals to eliminate E-Rate funding for hotspots loaned by schools and libraries and school bus Wi-Fi. These services have been connectivity lifelines for millions of students and families who lack reliable internet access at home. 

“For too many children and library patrons, especially in rural and low-income communities, a borrowed hotspot or long commute to school has been their only chance to complete their schoolwork, apply for jobs, or access telehealth,” said Joey Wender, Executive Director of SHLB. “Removing these connections ignores the reality that learning doesn’t stop at the school door or the library steps. The Homework Gap predated the pandemic and will now, unfortunately, only widen as a result of this proposal. Connectivity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”

Read more about SHLB’s position on this issue:

• SHLB and Over 80 Organizations Urge House to Reject Repeal of E-Rate Hotspot Program

• SHLB, ALA, All4ed, Wireless Future, Common Sense Media Disappointed by Senate Vote to Block Hotspots

Media Availability

SHLB’s Executive Director, Joey Wender, is available for comment.

For more information, visit www.shlb.org or follow @SHLBcoalition on LinkedIn, Facebook, or X.

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About SHLB: The SHLB Coalition is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) advocacy organization that supports open, affordable, high-quality broadband connections for anchor institutions and their surrounding communities. The SHLB Coalition is based in Washington, D.C., and has a diverse membership of commercial and non-commercial organizations across the United States. To learn more, visit www.shlb.org.