Libraries

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau announced that there is sufficient funding available to fully meet the Universal Service Administrative Company’s estimated demand for category one and category two requests for E-Rate-supported services for funding year 2026. On April 6, 2026, USAC submitted a demand estimate for the E-Rate program for funding year 2026. USAC estimates the total demand for funding year 2026 will be $3.5 billion, which includes estimated demand of $1.7 billion for category one services, and of $1.8 billion for category two services. The FCC

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) submitted the federal Universal Service Support Mechanisms fund size and administrative cost projections for the third quarter of calendar year 2026 (3Q2026). Upon approval of the quarterly funding requirements for the Support Mechanisms, the projected administrative expenses, and the submission of the contribution base amount, the Federal Communications Commission will establish a quarterly contribution factor.

The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to enhance the integrity of the E-Rate program by amending its rules and establishing a new competitive bidding portal and document repository. This action will assist E-Rate applicants with program compliance and decrease the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse in the E-Rate program. The FCC is also taking actions to simplify and streamline the E-Rate processes and procedures, while giving greater flexibility for both applicants and service providers.

Keep Our Communities Connected (KOCC) and the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition launched the “Future of Universal Service Fund (USF) Reform Task Force." his cross-sector initiative aims to inform ongoing bipartisan and bicameral policy debates on the long-term sustainability of universal service programs that support broadband access for schools, libraries, rural communities, health providers, and low-income households.

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition led more than 80 organizations (including the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society) representing schools, libraries, service providers, and education leaders in sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the agency not to proceed with its proposed competitive bidding portal for the E-Rate program.

Nonprofit broadband provider Mission Telecom unveiled Inseego’s MiFi Pro M4 mobile hotspot, which Mission Telecom is making available for $179. The mobile hotspot provides broadband to Mission Telecom customers—primarily nonprofits, schools, and libraries—with pricing starting at $5.99 per 100 GB line for schools. The hotspot allows users to benefit from high-speed connectivity, enhanced security, and cloud-based device management.

Proposed reforms to a major federal broadband subsidy program are still taking shape on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers are aiming to circulate a discussion draft of legislation that would modernize the $8.5 billion-per-year Universal Service Fund. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission, which manages the fund, is asking for input on whether it should make changes to the nonprofit it delegated accounting and administrative duties to.

The American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees have reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work. IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries.

In 2025, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) continued to advance its mission with a steady commitment to responsible stewardship of Universal Service Fund (USF) resources, strong operational performance, and close collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

I want to close by reflecting on what we heard, because the arc of [this week] tells a story. We began with Senator Markey reminding us that universal service was never a narrow technical objective. It was, and remains, a moral and democratic claim. Access to education, economic opportunity, civic participation must be available to everyone, regardless of geography, income, age, or background. That is what we are really talking about when we talk about universal connectivity. The means of participation.