FCC Proposals Would Deepen the Digital Divide for Rural and Low-Income Students
Washington, D.C. (September 5, 2025) – CoSN strongly opposes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman’s plan to end E-Rate support for mobile hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. These connections are lifelines for students — especially in rural and low-income communities — who lack reliable home broadband.
Schools and libraries already ensure that hotspot and bus Wi-Fi connections are filtered and monitored under the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Taking away this flexibility would cut off students from digital learning resources, online collaboration and virtual instruction.
E-Rate support for mobile hotspots and bus Wi-Fi is critical to closing the digital divide and ensuring every student can learn, both in school and where they live and learn.
To learn more about CoSN’s advocacy efforts, visit: https://www.cosn.org/advocacy-policy/
About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org/
MEDIA CONTACT:
Grace Helsing, ghelsing@fratelli.com
