Keep Schools Connected: Protect E-Rate

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August 20, 2026

Author

Noelle Ellerson-Ng
Noelle Ellerson Ng

Chief Advocacy & Governance Officer, AASA, 萝卜AV视频

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking a close look at the future of the E-Rate program鈥攁nd the outcome could have significant implications for school districts and libraries across the country. 

Why E-Rate Matters: Created by the FCC in 1997 following the Telecommunications Act of 1996, E-Rate is the nation鈥檚 primary federal program supporting technology and connectivity in schools and libraries. It is the fifth-largest stream of federal funding for schools and helps eligible applicants afford high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, network infrastructure, and related services. Today, E-Rate supports essential infrastructure used for everything from online learning and assessments to cybersecurity, transportation systems, emergency communications, administrative systems, and communication with families. 


What Is the FCC Considering? On June 25, 2026, the FCC adopted a broad Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) examining both the future of E-Rate and how the program is administered. The NPRM raises fundamental questions about the program, including whether E-Rate should: 

  • Be narrowed or significantly reoriented; 
  • Be limited geographically, potentially focusing on rural areas or communities with limited provider competition; 
  • Continue supporting all currently eligible connectivity services and infrastructure; 
  • Change its current discount structure; 
  • Place additional requirements on E-Rate-funded networks related to student screen use; and 
  • Change the FCC鈥檚 interpretation of the Children鈥檚 Internet Protection Act (CIPA). 

Read more in our E-Rate NPRM Summary. 

Call to Action: File a Comment to Keep Schools Connected. The FCC needs to understand that broadband is no longer an optional technology expense. It is foundational infrastructure for modern schools. Superintendents are uniquely positioned to explain the consequences this proposal would have on students, families, and school budgets. The FCC needs to hear directly from the communities that rely on E-Rate support.  

Submit a comment, share specific, local examples of why E-Rate matters and provide concrete examples of how affordable broadband is helping students succeed. Your voice can help shape the outcome of this proceeding. 
 
Everything you need to file can be found on AASA鈥檚 .  

  • Key Dates and Resources
    • The FCC鈥檚 NPRM/FNPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 14, 2026.
    • Public comment deadline: October 13, 2026.
    • Submit your comment through the 萝卜AV视频action site.
    • You can access step-by-step instructions for filing your comments directly through the FCC鈥檚 (ECFS) on the .  

Read more in our E-Rate Call to Action.

Bottom line? E-Rate is under threat and this is an opportunity for superintendents and other stakeholders to explain what the program means in their communities. Your local experience and data can help shape the future of one of the most important federal investments in school connectivity. File your comment today!

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