The FCC has adopted an Order on Reconsideration that overturns the FCC’s 2024 WiFi Hotspots Order, which expanded the E-Rate program to fund hotspots that students or library patrons could use outside of a school or library. The Commission has concluded that the FCC lacked the authority to expand the E-Rate program to fund off-premises use of hotspots because Congress limited the FCC’s authority to fund connections at schools and libraries. As a result of this action, the Universal Service Administrative Company will be directed to deny pending funding year 2025 requests for E-Rate funds to support the off-premises use of WiFi hotspots.
