{"id":6732,"date":"2025-10-14T18:50:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T18:50:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/missiontelecom.org\/?p=6732"},"modified":"2026-02-10T05:38:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T05:38:40","slug":"fcc-erate-discount-match-wifi-schools-libraries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/missiontelecom.org\/es\/news-and-insights\/fcc-erate-discount-match-wifi-schools-libraries\/","title":{"rendered":"Mission Telecom Matches FCC E-Rate Cuts to Safeguard Affordable Wi-Fi for Schools & Libraries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Download Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
\n<\/b>October 14, 2025
\n<\/span>Contact:<\/b> MissionTelecom@riffcitystrategies.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Mission Telecom Steps In to Match E-Rate Discount and Protect Affordable Wi-Fi for Schools and Libraries Amid FCC Cuts\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

New offer helps communities afford school bus Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots after the FCC\u2019s recent E-Rate funding cuts\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Englewood, CO <\/b>\u2013 <\/span>Misi\u00f3n Telecom<\/span><\/a>, a nonprofit telecommunications provider<\/span> and grantmaker dedicated to expanding digital equity<\/span>, today announced a new offer to help schools and libraries remain whole after losing federal E-Rate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots and school bus connectivity. Under the new offer, Mission Telecom is honoring the post-discount applicant share of cost on Form 471, not the quote cost from the provider, keeping schools and libraries connected by covering the loss of E-rate subsidies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)\u2019s recent decision to eliminate E-rate program funding coverage for <\/span>school bus Wi-Fi<\/span><\/a> y <\/span>mobile hotspots<\/span><\/a> worsens the digital divide across the country, especially for students in low-income and rural communities. Without these resources, <\/span>millions<\/span><\/a> of students and lifelong learners risk falling behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust two weeks ago, the FCC made the unfortunate decision to end E-Rate support for school bus Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots. But that decision widens the digital divide,\u201d said Mark Colwell, Director of Broadband Operations at Mission Telecom. \u201cCommunities still rely on these tools to keep students and library patrons connected. That\u2019s why Mission Telecom is stepping in to help schools and libraries worried about maintaining this critical connectivity with tight budgets. By matching their subsidized E-Rate costs, we are helping provide affordable, reliable broadband so that every student and lifelong learner can stay connected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

To qualify for Mission Telecom\u2019s new offer, schools and libraries need to complete <\/span>this sign-up form <\/span><\/a>and subsequently provide a copy of their E-Rate Form 471 for hotspots or bus Wi-Fi. Mission Telecom will then match their post-discount cost for broadband, guaranteeing unlimited 4G\/5G Wi-Fi service at the same rate they would have paid under E-Rate. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with partners and participants praising the program\u2019s ease and impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

“For the many libraries approved for E-Rate hotspot funding in FY 2025, only to have it snatched away retroactively by the FCC, Mission Telecom’s offer will protect books and services that would otherwise be cut,\u201d said Sam Helmick, President of the <\/span>American Library Association<\/span><\/a>. \u201cWe are deeply appreciative that <\/span>an internet service provider is stepping up<\/span> to fill the gap left by the FCC this year. Americans, especially those in small and rural communities, need a sustainable solution for broadband. ALA looks forward to the FCC’s Plan B to ensure everyone has affordable, adequate internet access for everyday needs, wherever they live.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The current FCC just created a crisis that has left schools and libraries nationwide holding the bag and forced to either cancel their hotspot and school bus Wi-Fi programs, or face a budget shortfall,” said Joseph Wender, Executive Director of the <\/span>Schools, Health & Libraries (SHLB) Broadband Coalition<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 “SHLB is optimistic about how the market is responding to provide solutions that help these vital anchor institutions maintain these important programs.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to Mission Telecom for stepping up to support school districts and libraries impacted by the FCC\u2019s recent decision to eliminate E-Rate funding for school bus Wi-Fi and student hotspots,\u201d said Keith Krueger, CEO of <\/span>CoSN \u2013 The Consortium for School Networking<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIn a time when digital equity remains critical, Mission Telecom\u2019s leadership is a vital step forward to ensure all students can stay connected and keep learning when they leave the classroom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Details of the Offer:<\/b><\/p>\n