Draft FY 2026 E-Rate Eligible Services List Seeks Comment on MIBS, BMIC
On September 30, the Wireline Competition Bureau released a public notice seeking comment on its proposed eligible services list (ESL) for funding year (FY) 2026.
FCC Eliminates Funding for Bus Wi-Fi, Hotspots for FY 2025 and Beyond
With Commissioner Anna Gomez dissenting, the FCC voted 2-1 on September 30 at the Commission’s monthly meeting to remove the eligibility of bus Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi hotspots outside of a school or library building from the E-Rate program.
Government Shutdown Closes FCC; USAC Remains Operational
After Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the government, the Federal Communications Commission shut down at 12:01 Eastern on October 1.
Chairman Carr Proposes to Reverse E-Rate School Bus Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Hotspots Eligibility
On September 3, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced he is proposing to eliminate school bus Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi hotspot eligibility for E-Rate funding.
Working Group Seeks Comments on USF Fund
The Senate’s USF Working Group (Working Group) has reconvened to discuss possible Universal Service program reform.
Supreme Court Upholds USF Contribution Methodology
In a 6-3 decision on June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the federal universal service program’s contribution mechanism.
Senate Voted to Repeal E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspots Order
On May 8, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted along party lines to repeal the E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspots Order.
