Mission Telecom, a nonprofit telecommunications provider, has stepped in to help schools and libraries after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) eliminated the use of E-Rate funding for hotspots and school bus connectivity.
The organization said that it “[is honoring] the post-discount applicant share of cost on Form 471, not the quote cost from the provider.” Schools and libraries can apply for the Mission Telecom program by providing a copy of their E-Rate documents and completing a signup form.
“Communities still rely on these tools to keep students and library patrons connected. That’s why Mission Telecom is stepping up to help schools and libraries worried about maintaining this critical connectivity with tight budgets,” said Mission Telecom Director of Broadband Operations Mark Colwell.
“By matching their subsidized E-Rate costs, we are helping provide affordable, reliable broadband so that every student and lifelong learner can stay connected.”
At the end of last month,the FCC took two steps to limit Wi-Fi access for students on school buses and library patrons. The first was a Declaratory Ruling that funding from the Schools and Libraries Program — commonly referred to as E-Rate — is impermissible. The second was an Order on Reconsideration that reversed a Biden-era move to fund Wi-Fi hotspots that can be used outside libraries and schools.
The new program applies to mobile hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi programs without long-term contracts, activation fees, or termination fees. It guarantees E-Rate-level pricing through June 30, 2026. Telecompetitor asked Colwell about pricing after June 2026, and he responded, “This offer is designed to provide an immediate solution for the current school year. While we haven’t made any decision about what our offer will look like after June 2026, rest assured that we will make the best effort to keep it affordable.”
In July, Mission Telecom took a step toward maintaining services for students and library patrons withthe introduction of Mission-Connect. The program provided wireless hotspots to schools and libraries for $7 per month. Telecompetitor spoke with Colwell. At the time, he said, “[Mission Telecom] can’t get down to the $2 or $3 they’re paying out of pocket with a subsidy for E-Rate, but we can get down to $7 a month, which we think is a pretty attractive offer.”
The organization is now matching what users were paying before the FCC eliminated the E-Rate program.
