Statement: American Library Association Disappointed by FCC Program Takebacks, Lack of Due Process in Decision to End E-Rate Hotspot Lending Rules

Here’s the Full Text of Today’s ALA Statement:

The American Library Association (ALA) expressed disappointment with today’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to end E-Rate support for library and school hotspot lending programs, which provided critical connectivity to millions of public library patrons who lack reliable internet access at home.

“We don’t yet know the full extent of what this vote means for libraries and schools and the communities we serve, but we do know that libraries were relying on sustainable E-Rate funding,” said Sam Helmick President of the American Library Association.

“ALA is both disappointed by the FCC’s takebacks and discouraged by the lack of due process, which left no opportunity for staff, patrons and library advocates to give input on the draft order. For years, we have engaged in the rulemaking process with good faith, partnering with the FCC to fulfill their mandate to make reliable, high-quality broadband available nationwide. And today, the Commission openly voted to snatch back the opportunity to offer more Americans, especially in rural areas, the high-speed internet access to do the business of life online – pay bills, make telehealth appointments, fill out school applications – after the library closes.”

The coalition emphasized that library hotspot lending programs proved indispensable for families, small businesses, and veterans. In Appalachian Ohio, the Brown County Public Library’s hotspot program allowed homeschool families to join virtual classes, entrepreneurs to run mobile businesses, and veterans to participate in telehealth appointments and certification testing.

Although disappointed by today’s outcome, ALA and its partners will continue to advocate for policies that expand broadband access and support libraries and other community anchor institutions.

Media Coverage

• FCC Removes School Bus Wi-Fi, Hotspots From E-Rate (via K-12 Dive)

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Funding, Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Public Libraries