Which school and library functions require internet connectivity?

A. Tracking buses on their daily routes
B. Turning on/off lights and ensuring HVAC systems work efficiently
C. Monitoring security cameras and building safety resources
D. All of the above

The answer is D—and so much more. As demonstrated in a CoSN blog post by Dr. Stacey Hawthorne (Chair of the CoSN Board of Directors and Executive Director of the EdTech Leaders Alliance), high-speed internet access is the backbone of almost everything schools and libraries do to operate as part of a wired (and wireless) world.

Yet, on June 25th, the FCC issued a rulemaking notice asking if the E-Rate program should be limited or even eliminated. During the edLeader Panel "Keeping Schools and Libraries Connected: Why E-Rate Matters," education and industry experts warned that ending or curtailing the E-Rate program would have significant negative impacts and recommended that community members take action and make their voices heard.

1. The E-Rate program, part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, allows eligible schools and libraries to “receive discounts on telecommunications, telecommunications services, and internet access, as well as internal connections, managed internal broadband services and basic maintenance of internal connections” through a federal subsidy program. Although the recipients must pay a portion of the cost, they can receive a discount as high as 90% based on poverty rates. In addition, due to the strict bidding process, the overall costs are significantly reduced. Most importantly, a 2026 GAO report found that E-Rate met all nine criteria to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. In other words, E-Rate funding is transparent and accountable.

The panelists provided key examples of how their communities use E-Rate-supported services beyond classroom instruction.

• Completing homework: Yes, the digital divide still exists, and for many students, the school or library is the only place they can get reliable access. Students will stay after school or go to their local library so they can do research, study, and finish assignments.
• Carrying out non-school activities: For those without reliable home access, a library’s internet connection gives them the opportunity to participate in many tasks that those with home access take for granted. They use the library to enroll in an online class, have a telehealth appointment, fill out a job application, apply for scholarships and colleges, and even just digitally connect with friends and family.
• Managing student data: From classroom attendance that populates school admin programs to aggregating and uploading numbers on students receiving free and reduced lunch, staff must collect data daily and need to funnel the data between classrooms, school offices, district offices, and even the government.
• Conducting assessments: Whether a summative assessment for an entire grade or individual diagnostics, most schools now administer and/or collect the data through a connected system so that the data can inform instruction and services for individual students. Most AP and college readiness exams—and prep courses—also require the internet.
• Performing day-to-day administrative tasks: Every staff member uses the internet in some capacity for almost every part of their job. It’s used to track inventory, submit purchase orders, submit payroll, manage benefits, send parent and family communications, organize lunch assignments, etc.
• Campus safety: Physical security systems can include networked cameras, monitoring stations, emergency communication alarms, automatic door locks, and more.
• Cybersecurity: Schools and libraries require robust cybersecurity programs, which need constant monitoring, upgrades, and response.

Even more significant, E-Rate is used for infrastructure. Like all building systems, this project is never complete, as the physical and digital components require ongoing maintenance and upgrades. 

The panelists issued dire warnings about whether the changes implied by the FCC notice are implemented, since having a working, reliable internet system is essential to basic school and library functions. The potential impacts include:

• Higher residential property taxes
• Program cuts like art and music
• Fewer new, updated high-quality instructional resources
• Scaled-down library inventories and services
• Staffing reductions
• Reduced hours and availability
• Constraints on maintaining and upgrading systems and services
• Compromised ability to keep students, staff, and community members safe

Alarmingly, the rulemaking notice from the FCC also poses several questions about the program related to implementation, asking if the services are necessary, their educational purpose, and if the FCC has the authority to impose screen limits. Thus, many of the questions extend into educational practices, which is outside the purview of the FCC.

There are two ways to provide feedback on the proposed rules.

1. Submit your comments to the FCC. (Due October 13, 2026)
2. Send a letter to Congress.

Both AASA and the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition have information on how to submit comments, as well as more information on the proposed rulemaking.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Keeping Schools and Libraries Connected: Why E-Rate Matters.

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Article by Stacey Pusey, based on this edLeader Panel