Subsidies for Hotspot Devices a ‘Great Idea,’ FCC Chairwoman Says

Federal Communications Commissioner Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said that using the E-rate program to subsidize mobile hotspot devices is a “great idea” and that there may be some activity on that front in the future. The chairwoman was fielding a comment from a mayor of a Texas city, who said that his jurisdiction has a program that lends out connectivity hubs – allowing others to connect to the device – in parts of the town for residents seeking internet. He asked whether that’s something that the FCC could fund. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said the commission may be able to expand the program to encompass funding for hotspot devices. “Stay tuned,” she added, “because I think you’re onto something.”