SHLB Applauds FCC’s Historic Vote on Hotspot Lending

For Immediate Release

Contact: Saskya Cabral
PR & Marketing Director
scabral@shlb.org

Washington, D.C. (July 18, 2024)—Today, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, a leading advocate for community anchor institutions (CAIs) in the broadband policy arena, commends the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its vote to support E-rate funding for hotspot lending by schools and libraries. This action represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide.

This decision supports off-premises Wi-Fi hotspots and Internet services through libraries and schools, ensuring that low-income households can obtain affordable, high-speed broadband for students, school staff, and library patrons. The FCC seeks further input on additional changes to enhance accessibility in the E-Rate Wi-Fi hotspot lending program.

“We are very pleased with this historic vote by the FCC, which authorizes limited financial support for hot spots. Eight million households obtained financial support for internet access through the Emergency Connectivity Fund, but that funding has now expired. It is commendable that the FCC is addressing the lessons learned from the ECF program and providing long-term financial support to continue this program,” said Kristen Corra SHLB’s policy counsel. “The FCC Order properly finds that section 254 provides the Commission with specific authority to designate additional services for financial support. We also recognize that there is much more the Commission can do in the future, such as providing funding to support equipment and services associated with anchor-enabled networks, and adopting a technology-neutral approach. We remain committed to advocating for equitable broadband access and urge the FCC to consider these crucial enhancements.”

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About SHLB

The SHLB Coalition is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) advocacy organization that supports open, affordable, high-quality broadband connections for anchor institutions and their surrounding communities. The SHLB Coalition is based in Washington, D.C. and has a diverse membership of commercial and non-commercial organizations from across the United States. To learn more, visit www.shlb.org.