June 24, 2026
Advocates for the E-Rate program are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider and revise a notice of proposed rulemaking that poses questions and seeks comment on that program’s administration, continuation and future. The FCC is scheduled to vote on the proposal at its monthly open meeting on June 25. E-Rate is a program under the Universal Service Fund that provides eligible schools and libraries with discounted telecommunications and Internet access. According to the NPRM, the FCC is seeking to “improve the E-Rate program and ensure E-Rate-funded networks and services are being used for educational purposes” and to “propose and seek comment on actions the FCC can take to further strengthen E-Rate program integrity and streamline program administration.” But advocates of the program who met with the FCC in recent weeks are worried by language in the proposal that suggests the Commission may try to cut or terminate the E-Rate program entirely.