Fact sheet: FCC notice of proposed rulemaking questions E-Rate program’s future

On June 25, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeking public comment on potential changes to the E-rate program. The FCC asks whether the program should evolve now that schools and libraries have widespread broadband connectivity. (See NPRM para. 1, p. 2.) It also seeks feedback on proposals to limit screen time and protect children from inappropriate or harmful content while using E-rate-funded broadband networks. This fact sheet provides an overview of the NPRM and its potential implications for the E-rate program.

Background

The E-Rate program is a universal service program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). According to USAC, universal service is “the principle that all Americans should have access to a baseline level of telecommunications services.” This principle was originally adopted in the Communications Act of 1934 to help ensure that all Americans had access to telephone service at reasonable rates. When the Communications Act was amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, universal service was expanded to support programs aimed at increasing access to affordable telecommunications services, including broadband.

The E-rate program was established by the 1996 law and facilitates universal service by providing eligible schools and libraries with discounted internet services and related equipment. Universal service programs such as E-rate are funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF), which consists of mandatory contributions from telecommunications companies.

E-Rate and Tribal Nations 

Schools and libraries on Tribal lands are eligible for E-Rate support. While Tribal schools are subject to the same eligibility requirements as schools outside of Tribal lands, Tribal libraries as well as libraries at Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), are subject to their own program requirements. A Tribal Nation may designate a library as a “Tribal library” to receive E-rate support. USAC also maintains the Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP) to help Tribal libraries navigate the E-rate application process.

There is a long history of advocacy for expanded E-rate access by Tribal Nations, organizations and other interested parties. While it is unclear how many Tribal schools and libraries receive E-rate support today, the FCC estimated in 2022 that 15% of Tribal libraries participated in the program. E-Rate success stories, such as the Middle Rio Grande Pueblo Tribal Consortium’s broadband network in New Mexico, underscore the importance of universal service programs such as E-rate in Tribal communities.

NPRM highlights

The NPRM reflects a broad reassessment of the E-rate program, both generally and in the context of protecting children online. The FCC explains that E-rate was created to address the connectivity gap affecting schools and libraries by increasing access to affordable internet and broadband services — a purpose that the agency concludes appears to have been achieved. In support of that conclusion, it points to sources indicating that virtually all U.S. schools now have internet access. Accordingly, the FCC asks whether the E-rate program should be ended or limited to reflect the increase in broadband access achieved during the program’s tenure. (NPRM para. 12, p. 11.)

The NPRM also considers E-rate’s future amid growing concerns about harmful online content and the effects of increased screen time on children. Concerns about screen time and online safety have been echoed by other federal agencies, including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which hosted a listening session in December 2025 on the consequences of excessive screen time in schools.

The FCC points to sources citing an increase in the amount of screen time students experience during school hours and notes that “research suggest[s] that heightened screen time may be related to negative outcomes among children.” (NPRM para. 5, p. 3.)

The FCC asks for comment on whether E-rate-funded networks are being used for “educational purposes,” as required by law. (NPRM para. 29, p. 20; see also para. 3, p. 2.) It also seeks feedback on whether E-rate funding should be conditioned on certain measures, such as limiting screen time (NPRM para. 29, p. 20) or requiring schools to provide opportunities for parents to opt their children out of screen-based instruction (NPRM para. 31, p. 21). A full list of the FCC’s questions is available in the NPRM.

Next steps and considerations

Tribal Nations and other interested parties may participate in the rulemaking by submitting comments. Recipients of E-rate assistance may consider describing the value of continued E-rate support and highlighting data showing increased internet access resulting from E-rate funding.

Comments are due 60 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register, with reply comments due 30 days later. As of July 30, 2026, the NPRM had not been published in the Federal Register. Accordingly, the comment deadlines had not yet been determined. Tribal Nations, however, may submit comments before the formal deadline is established.

Comments may be submitted online through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System by searching the following docket numbers: WC Docket Nos. 26-133, 13-184, 21-93, and 21-455.

For more information, contact [email protected].