On Thursday (May 8), the Senate voted to repeal a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule allowing federal funding to cover Wi-Fi hotspots outside schools and libraries. The controversial decision, passed by a 50-38 vote along party lines, marks a significant rollback of the E-rate program, which has helped schools and libraries access affordable telecommunications services for nearly three decades.
The E-rate program, established 29 years ago, has been instrumental in connecting schools and libraries with reliable internet services. Recently, the program expanded to include Wi-Fi hotspots, recognizing the critical need for connectivity beyond schools. This expansion was particularly vital for students who lack home internet access, enabling them to complete homework and participate in digital learning. In the fiscal year 2025 alone, schools and districts submitted requests for $27.5 million solely to support Wi-Fi hotspots.
Leading the roadblock is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, arguing that federal funds should not support internet access outside of educational facilities. Supporters of the repeal argue that it is not the federal government’s role to provide internet connectivity to students at home.
A similar resolution was introduced in the House earlier this year, aiming to terminate the inclusion of Wi-Fi hotspots in the E-rate program. If the House passes the resolution, both chambers must reconcile their differences before a final bill is presented to President Donald Trump for approval.
Critics of the repeal warn that this move threatens to widen the digital divide, leaving students from low-income families at a disadvantage. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez strongly condemned the Senate’s decision: “Those with sufficient internet access are increasingly separated from those without, and this decision risks widening that gap even further.”
The timing of the repeal is particularly concerning, as the Supreme Court is set to decide whether the entire funding mechanism for the E-rate program is unconstitutional. Should the high court rule against the program, it could jeopardize the future of internet connectivity in educational settings nationwide.
As schools increasingly integrate digital tools into their curricula, the absence of reliable home internet could put some students at a severe disadvantage.
