Report and order on using E-Rate funds for Wi-Fi hotspots

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate program has supported high-speed, affordable Internet services to and within school and library buildings, and has been instrumental in providing students, school staff, and library patrons with access to essential broadband services. The FCC released a report and order in the August 20, 2024 federal register on using E-Rate funds for Wi-Fi hotspots. As part of this report and order, the FCC updated the E-Rate rules around making off-premises use of Wi-Fi hotspots and internet services eligible for funding. This goes into effect September 19. Additionally, an accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeks comment on further ways to ensure the continued success of E-Rate and its hotpot lending programs. Comments for this are due October 4th, and replies are due November 4th.