Learn Without Limits
On September 30th, the Federal Communication Commission voted to end E-Rate support for library and school hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. If you requested funding for hotspots in your E-Rate application, check out our FAQ to learn more about what the end of this program means for your library.
FCC Learn Without Limits Initiative
In 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the Schools and Libraries Program (also known as the E-Rate program) as part of its Universal Service Fund. This federal initiative provides discounts to public libraries and to public and private K-12 schools on telecommunications services, internet access, and some closely related costs, such as inside wiring. The COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness that more was needed to address broadband gaps affecting educational opportunity, leading first to the Emergency Connectivity Program, then to the introduction of Learn Without Limits by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel at ALA’s Annual Conference 2023.
Learn Without Limits was a three-prong solution to closing the homework gap:
- Wi-Fi on school buses
- Wi-Fi hotspot lending
- Cybersecurity pilot program
Unfortunately, the FCC voted to overturn its 2024 order establishing the Wi-Fi- hotspot lending program and school bus Wi-Fi. The Cybersecurity pilot program will continue.
Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending
- Hotspot lending supports opportunity and learning anywhere and anytime. Hotspots provide off-premises connectivity to individuals who lack home internet or who may not have sufficient access for the needs of the household.
- On September 30, 2025, the FCC reversed its 2024 order allowing libraries and schools to apply for E-Rate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet access services that can be used off-premises. The program had previously been adopted in 2024 and hotspot devices and service were added to the eligible services list.
ALA Advocacy and Resources
- Resource: FAQ on the FCC’s Recent Reversal of E-Rate’s Hotspot Lending Program (October 16, 2025)
- Press Release: ALA disappointed by FCC takebacks, lack of due process in decision to end library hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi (September 30, 2025)
- Coalition Letter to the FCC on School Bus Wi-Fi and Hotspot Lending Eligibility Under E-Rate (September 23, 2025)
- Coalition Sign-On Letter to the House opposing Congressional Review Act resolutions that would overturn the FCC's E-Rate hotspot decision (May 29, 2025)
- Coalition Sign-On Letter to the Senate opposing S.J.Res.7, a Congressional Review Act resolution that would overturn the FCC's E-Rate hotspot decision (March 10, 2025)
- Resource: Libraries = Learning Without Limits (February 2025)
- ALA Webinar: Libraries = Learning Without Limits: The New E-rate Hotspot Lending Program Webinar (September 25, 2024)
- ALA Comments: January 16, 2024
- ALA FAQ: E-Rate Support for Off-Premises Use of Wi-Fi Hotspots and Services (October 24, 2024)
- Template: Tell the FCC how hotspot lending supports your community (October 2024)
- Explanation Video: FCC Learn Without Limits (February 2024)
- Remarks from Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s at ALA Annual 2023 (June 2023)
Cybersecurity Pilot Program
The FCC proposed a three-year pilot program within the Universal Service Fund (USF) to provide up to $200 million available to support cybersecurity and advanced firewall services for eligible schools and libraries. Read the Report and Order here. ALA welcomes this pilot program and acknowledges the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity tools for libraries.
ALA Advocacy and Resources
- Resource: Cybersecurity Pilot Program FAQ: June 14, 2024
- SHLB, COSN, ALA, Common Sense Comments: May 29, 2024
- K-12 Cybersecurity Coalition Comments: February 26, 2024
- Reply Comments: February 26, 2024
- ALA Comments: January 29, 2024
