The FCC recently announced that petitions have been filed for reconsideration of its E-rate Hotspot Order, issued earlier this year.
On September 24, 2024, the FCC released a public notice revealing that the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, among others, are requesting a review of the decision. These petitions focus on concerns surrounding the implementation of Hotspot programs under the E-rate program, which provides internet connectivity to schools and libraries.
The order in question sought to expand internet access for students and library patrons by allowing the use of E-rate funds for Hotspots. However, the petitioners have raised concerns, urging the FCC to reconsider policy aspects that may not fully meet the needs of communities relying on these services.
Interested parties have 15 days from the publication of the notice in the Federal Register to file oppositions, and replies to these oppositions are due 10 days after. As the debate unfolds, this could have significant implications for educational institutions and libraries nationwide, particularly in their efforts to bridge the digital divide.
View the public notice here. View the report and order here.
