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E-Rate

FCC Reverses E-Rate Expansion: School Bus Wi-Fi and Hotspots No Longer Eligible

Wylan Gross

In a 2-1 vote today, the Federal Communications Commission removed school bus Wi-Fi and internet hotspots from E-Rate eligibility, reversing expansions approved under the previous administration.

What Changed:

  • School bus Wi-Fi (added FY2024) and hotspots (added FY2025) are no longer eligible services
  • A revised FY2025 Eligible Services List will be issued
  • All 2025 applications for these services will be denied
  • Treatment of already-approved 2024 commitments remains unclear

The Impact: Schools showed strong demand for these services, requesting $42.6M for hotspots and $15.3M for school bus Wi-Fi in FY2025 alone.

We’re Here for You: At Infinity, we understand how critical these services are for bridging the digital divide and supporting student connectivity. We’re actively monitoring this situation, reviewing all client filings, and will continue advocating for expanded E-Rate eligibility that meets the real needs of schools and libraries.

What’s Next: We’re awaiting the official FCC order and guidance on existing commitments. Our team will provide detailed updates and guidance as soon as additional information becomes available. We’re with you every step of the way.

Have questions about how this affects your program? Contact us—we’re here to help.

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