Dissent Arises as FCC Ponders E-Rate Funding for Off-Campus Hotspots

In comments to the Federal Communications Commission, associations representing rural broadband providers pushed back on a proposal to expand funding through the Universal Service Fund (USF) Schools and Libraries program (E-Rate) to include Wi-Fi hotspots at other sites outside of school and library buildings. Other commenters, however, said that the hotspots could connect students in low-income families, which they said should be a higher priority. The dispute began in October when the FCC adopted a Declaratory Ruling allowing E-Rate to fund school bus hotspots. Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington voted against the ruling, which also drew criticism from members of Congress. Objections ranged from concerns about duplication with other programs to conflicts with existing rules that limit installations to school buildings. NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association agreed that funding for hotspots could become duplicative and inefficient if not done correctly. Other groups agreed it would be difficult for the FCC to implement its hotspot policy within the current rules.