# FCC Reviews E-Rate Connectivity Support

The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing whether to retain, narrow, or eliminate E-Rate, which provides $2.6 billion in annual support for school and library connectivity and related services. A study commissioned by the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition estimates that ending the program would reduce U.S. GDP by $4.2 billion annually. Initial comments are due October 13, 2026, and reply comments are due November 12, 2026, creating near-term opportunities for affected providers and institutions to address potential impacts on connectivity, Wi-Fi, online safety, and oversight requirements.

- Initial comments are due in **3 days (October 13)**; reply comments are due **November 12 (33 days)**. Organizations participating in the proceeding can use these filing dates to present evidence on service needs and procurement impacts.
- Schools, libraries, and contractors serving them may face changes to funding availability or program requirements depending on the FCC’s decision. The extracted entities identify $1.2 billion in support for internal Wi-Fi and networks as a key funding area.
- The study estimates that each dollar of E-Rate support removed corresponds to about $1.60 in lost economic activity. Providers should assess how potential funding changes could affect demand for school and library connectivity services.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Education
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

### Key Quotes
> For every dollar of E-Rate support removed, the study released today estimates about $1.60 in lost economic activity.
> — Joey Wender, Executive Director of the SHLB Coalition

### Sources
- [Terminating E-Rate would cost US economy over $4B annually, study says | StateScoop](https://statescoop.com/terminating-e-rate-would-cost-us-economy-over-4b-annually-study-says) - StateScoop