Media Contact: 
Paloma Perez
Paloma.Perez@fcc.gov 

For Immediate Release

CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL ANNOUNCES 
‘LEARN WITHOUT LIMITS’ INITIATIVE
Proposed Changes to the E-Rate Program Would Allow Support for Wi-Fi Hotspots, Wi-Fi on School Buses
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WASHINGTON, June 26, 2023—In a speech at the American Library Association’s annual conference, Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced she is calling on her fellow Commissioners to support new efforts to allow E-Rate funding to support Wi-Fi support on school buses, and to support Wi-Fi hotspots so that libraries, school libraries, and schools can check them out to patrons or students in need.  The E-Rate program started in 1996 as a way to get funds to libraries to have basic internet connections.  Over the years, the FCC has updated it from a program to connect libraries and schools to covering services like installing Wi-Fi throughout the building.

“At the FCC, we want to make sure that everyone, everywhere has access to high-speed internet service.  But we know millions of people in this country are on the wrong side of the digital divide.  Libraries help fill that gap.  They have computer labs.  They have classes to teach digital skills.  And they help enroll people in our programs to support internet for all, like the Affordable Connectivity Program,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “These efforts are on top of the day-to-day work you do to help people navigate information, get the facts they are searching for, the services they require, and the support they need to participate in modern life.  That’s why it’s time for the FCC to update its E-rate program to reflect these realities to better support libraries and the students and communities they serve.”

In response to the pandemic, Congress created a new program to help meet the adapting connectivity demands of libraries and schools—the Emergency Connectivity Fund.  This $7.17 billion fund was designed to make sure that libraries and schools could connect patrons and students at home, with funding for devices and connectivity.  To date, the program has helped over 17 million students get connected to their schools and teachers.  

The proposed changes to the E-Rate program will require a full vote of the Commission, and the text of the E-rate related items will be released upon their adoption. 

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).