On October 19, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Delaratory Ruling making Wi-Fi service on school buses eligible for E-rate funding. In press release, the FCC stated that they will “fund Wi-Fi on school buses, as well as any E-Rate-eligible equipment needed to enable the service, as part of funding year 2024 eligible services list proceeding and seek comment on the specific services and equipment that should be funded.”
In a statement, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called the move “smart, creative, and consistent with the statute,” reiterating that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 “provides [the FCC] with authority to use [E-rate] for additional services for educational purposes.”
The FCC’s press release may be viewed here, and statements from Chairwoman Rosenworcel and other Commissioners may viewed here.
