FCC Considers Whether to Restructure or Conclude the E-Rate Program

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) has opened a rulemaking that could reshape the E-Rate program at its core, including whether the program continues in its current form at all. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking asks whether E-Rate has fulfilled its statutory purpose under the Communications Act now that schools and libraries have achieved near-universal connectivity, and whether the program should be narrowed, restructured, or sunset entirely. Comments on the proposed rules are due October 13, 2026, and reply comments are due November 12, 2026.

In determining the fate of the program, the Commission is seeking comment on discount-rate structures, support for special construction and self-provisioned networks in light of BEAD and other federal funding, continued eligibility for Head Start and pre-kindergarten students, and whether funding should be conditioned on screen-time limits, parental opt-outs, or other online safety measures. Any of these changes could affect how providers serving E-Rate-eligible schools and libraries structure their offerings and pricing going forward.

Your Input Matters

If you have experience or data that would help inform comments in this proceeding, would like to learn more, or if you are interested in filing your own comments please contact Brett Hallagan.