SHLB, ALA, EdLiNC, Homework Gap Coalition Urge FCC: Don’t Cut School Bus Wi-Fi & Hotspot Lending

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition, joined by the American Library Association, EdLiNC, and the Homework Gap Coalition, called on the Federal Communications Commission to preserve school bus Wi-Fi and hotspot lending under the E-Rate program. The urgent appeal comes as the FCC scheduled a vote that could eliminate both programs. The FCC’s proposed action would reverse its 2023 ruling clarifying that Wi-Fi on school buses is an educational purpose eligible for E-Rate funding and its 2024 order establishing hotspot lending programs for schools and libraries. Together, these initiatives provide connectivity to millions of students and library patrons who lack reliable internet access at home. The coalition emphasized that:

• School Bus Wi-Fi enables students, particularly in rural areas with long commutes, to use travel time for coursework. In New Mexico, Farmington Municipal Schools equipped its 90 buses with Wi-Fi, serving over 6,500 students daily. Parents report that children return home with homework already completed.

• Hotspot Lending Programs have proven indispensable for families, small businesses, and veterans. In Appalachian Ohio, the Brown County Public Library’s hotspot program has allowed homeschool families to join virtual classes, entrepreneurs to run mobile businesses, and veterans to participate in telehealth appointments and certification testing.