91´«Ã½

New rule enables access to tens of millions of dollars for library hotspot lending

Washington, DC — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) enthusiastically greeted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowing libraries and schools to use tens of millions of dollars in federal E-rate funding each year to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots for lending. The new policy is a keystone of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s Learn Without Limits proposal, announced at 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in June 2023, to meet increasing connectivity needs nationwide by expanding and modernizing the E-rate program.

91´«Ã½ President Cindy Hohl said, “Until everyone has an affordable home internet connection, hotspots are a promising alternative in most communities – and America’s libraries have proven success in lending them.

“Libraries are the go-to place for millions of people who need a connection to the internet and the technology to use it. Library hotspot lending programs bridge digital divides, closing the homework gap by equipping students to complete assignments and communicate with teachers, and enabling everyone – jobseekers, adult learners, and families – to connect with community services.”

Library hotspot lending, a trend that began to emerge a decade ago, was vastly accelerated by the pandemic. With experience using public funds to purchase and lend a wide range of resources, libraries are equipped to develop and enforce acceptable use policies for federally funded hotspots. Over the last three years, more than a thousand libraries have provided Wi-Fi hotspots to connect patrons, including students, through more than $248 million of the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF).

Support for hotspots through the Learn Without Limits program comes amid concerns about the impact of recently sunset pandemic-era programs, including the ECF. The ability to use E-rate funding for hotspot lending will ensure libraries can more reliably address still-persistent connectivity gaps in their communities.

Almost half of libraries (46.9%) currently offer hotspots for checkout — an increase of 14.6 percent since 2020 — according to the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey, published by the Public Library Association on July 9, 2024. Spotlighting the ways public libraries are advancing digital equity in their communities, the report’s key findings include:

• 95.3% of public libraries offer some kind of formal or informal digital literacy training, and almost 30% report they offer a digital navigator program to assist patrons.
• Federal funding is critical to supporting library technology needs: almost half (52%) of libraries applied for the E-rate program either individually or as part of a consortium.
• Almost one in five (19.7%) libraries are involved in digital equity or inclusion coalitions at the local, state, or regional level.

Despite data showing the increase in connectivity from libraries and schools through pandemic-era programs, critics have challenged the use of E-rate funds for hotspots. , public libraries and schools supported approximately 18 million students by providing 8 million broadband connections through the ECF program between 2021 and 2023.

Hohl said, “91´«Ã½ believes that the FCC has clearly established their legal authority for this program. They outline this clearly in Section F of the draft Order and cite Congress’ recognition of evolving services in order to meet the goals of universal service. In June, 91´«Ã½ joined with 10 of our national education partners in in support of the FCC in the Wi-Fi on school buses court case. We believe that these expanded uses of E-rate are appropriate and lawful.”

In addition to active engagement on behalf of libraries throughout the comments period, 91´«Ã½ is developing resources to build awareness and education about the program, including guidance through the application process. A new web page dedicated to the Learn Without Limits initiative will feature FAQs, event information and other resources in the coming weeks.

“91´«Ã½ and library advocates nationwide thank the Commission for making Wi-Fi hotspots eligible for E-rate funding,” said Hohl. “91´«Ã½ looks forward to continued conversations with the FCC, offering library expertise on stewarding resources and developing fair and flexible circulation guidelines.”

About E-rate

The federal E-rate program plays a pivotal role in helping libraries connect their users to the internet. Since it was established in 1996, E-rate has provided discounts to public libraries as well as K-12 schools on internet access, Wi-Fi equipment and some other telecommunications services.

About 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all.

###