ALA, SHLB partners disappointed with FCC decision to impose new E-Rate bidding portal

ALA, SHLB announce June 3 webinar to address program changes

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Library Association (ALA) and partner organizations in the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition today expressed disappointment following the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) vote to establish a new competitive bidding portal for the federal E-Rate program, which helps provide affordable broadband and communication services to schools and libraries nationwide.

Sam Helmick, President of ALA said, “ALA is disappointed that the commissioners have come to a rushed decision to add a layer of bureaucracy to a program that does so much good. E-Rate is a proven cornerstone of broadband access, with overwhelming support from libraries, schools, and state and local leaders who rely on it every day. For years, ALA has worked closely with the FCC to reduce applicant burden and streamline participation. The new portal threatens to undermine that progress and create confusion for applicants. ALA will continue dialogue with the FCC and Congress to ensure that these changes are informed by the experiences of library applicants and that libraries can continue accessing E‑Rate funds without disruption in order to deliver essential connectivity to their communities. Also, ALA's E-Rate Task Force will work with ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office staff to develop materials such as FAQs and training webinars to support library applicants in navigating this change.””

The vote came despite broad opposition from libraries, schools, service providers and education leaders. In the weeks leading up to the vote, ALA joined more than 80 organizations in sending a sign-on letter to the FCC urging the agency not to proceed with the portal and participated in a series of meetings with senior FCC officials. The coalition argued that the proposed portal is overly burdensome and could ultimately deter libraries, schools and service providers from participating in the nation's largest federal educational technology program. The coalition's concerns include potential conflicts between the portal's framework and existing state and local procurement requirements, the costs of creating and managing the portal, and the risk of undermining ongoing efforts to streamline the E-Rate program.

According to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the new competitive bidding portal and document repository "brings greater transparency and consistency to the bidding process, helping ensure schools and libraries receive the most cost‑effective services.” However, a recent Government Accountability Office report found that E-Rate was the only one of the five federal funding programs reviewed to have adopted all recommended requirements and best practices to promote program integrity.

While disappointed with today’s vote, SHLB partners expressed appreciation to the Commission adopting some changes based on the coalition’s advocacy, including directing the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to engage with stakeholders in developing the portal. The item calls on USAC to develop clear guidance on training, testing, and feedback prior to portal implementation. SHLB partners will continue to closely monitor the FCC’s steps taken to accept stakeholder feedback, conduct beta testing of the portal and provide training for all applicants and service providers.

ALA and SHLB will host a free webinar on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET, to discuss the FCC's decision, what it means for E-Rate applicants and service providers, and next steps. Register here to attend.

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 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.