FCC plans to kill new federal hotspot lending rule “one more way to limit access to information”

As FCC springs E-Rate hotspot lending on September agenda, ALA urges commissioners to reconsider overturning the E-Rate rule

Washington, D.C. – The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, the American Library Association (ALA), EdLiNC and the Homework Gap Coalition submitted a joint letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging the Commission to protect two vital programs that expand internet access for students and library patrons: the Hotspot Lending Program and School Bus Wi-Fi. The letter responds to the last-minute addition of both items on the agenda for its September 30 meeting, when the FCC is expected to overturn the programs, despite the proven impact of hotspots and existing funding through the federal E-Rate program.

ALA President Sam Helmick: “One more tactic to limit information access”

“Lack of access to home broadband is a daily problem for students trying to succeed in school, people looking for jobs, rural residents relying on telehealth, and for Americans without digital skills to file their taxes and set up online banking. Policymakers should welcome the eagerness of local libraries and schools to be part of the solution.  

“One in five households in our country still do not have access to reliable home broadband. Hotspots are not a permanent fix, but they'll make sure students, jobseekers, veterans and seniors don't get left behind.  

“The need is urgent, especially in rural areas. The funding is there, through the federal E-Rate program. The experienced delivery mechanism is there, through the 1,762 public libraries approved by the FCC to loan hotspots to their communities. Chairman Carr's move to repeal the program next week looks like one more tactic of this administration to limit Americans’ access to information.”  

Highlights from coalition letter to FCC

ALA and its partners called on the FCC to uphold its mandate to ensure fair and affordable access to telecommunications services for all Americans, and to recognize the critical role libraries and schools play in bridging the digital divide. The letter highlights:

• The urgent need for affordable internet access in rural and underserved communities.
• The effectiveness of hotspot lending as a short-term connectivity solution.
• The existing infrastructure: 1,762 public libraries already approved by the FCC to loan hotspots.
• The financial harm to libraries, schools and service providers that made contracts based on hotspots’ inclusion in the E-Rate eligible services list.
• Real-world examples of library patrons’ use of hotspots, such as completing professional recertification, operating a small business and homeschooling. 

Pattern of disregard for digital opportunity

Plans to reverse the E-Rate hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi rules reflect a consistent pattern in the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle infrastructure aimed at bridging the digital divide. This disregard was evident in May 2025, when President Trump abruptly cancelled the congressionally-authorized Digital Equity Act grant program—an initiative specifically designed to close the digital divide through state grants supporting broadband access and digital skills training in underserved communities. The March 14 Executive Order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which also provides grants for digital opportunity initiatives in libraries, is currently blocked by a federal court. 

Plans to reverse the E-Rate hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi rules align with the Trump administration’s disdain for federal programs that promote digital opportunity. In May 2025, ALA sounded the alarm when President Trump cancelled the congressionally authorized Digital Equity Act grant program, designed to close the digital divide by establishing state grants to support broadband access and digital skills training for underserved communities.  

Media availability

ALA’s president Sam Helmick is available for interviews. Contact Shawnda Hines shines@ala.org. For more information about libraries, digital equity and broadband policy, visit our web page. 

Watch the Open FCC meeting

The FCC is scheduled to vote on the hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi rules at its September 30 meeting, which will be streamed live at fcc.gov/live and on the FCC’s official YouTube channel starting at 10:30 a.m. ET. A recording of the meeting will be archived on the FCC event page and on YouTube.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For nearly 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.