Why E-Rate Still Matters: The Case for Action

<p>For nearly three decades, E-Rate has helped schools and libraries afford the broadband and internal networks that support teaching, learning, communication, cybersecurity, and daily operations.</p><p><br></p><p>Now, the Federal Communications Commission is reviewing whether the program should be narrowed, restructured, or potentially ended. This episode examines CoSN’s position, why being connected is not the same as having affordable and reliable connectivity, and how changes to E-Rate could affect school communities.</p><p><br></p><p>The episode also explains why decisions about instructional technology and screen time should remain local—and how education leaders and community members can make their voices heard.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Initial comments are due October 13, 2026. Reply comments are due November 12, 2026.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Take Action</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.shlb.org/save-our-e-rate" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Visit the Save Our E-Rate campaign</a></li><li><a href="https://cosn.quorum.us/campaign/165080/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Contact elected officials through CoSN’s Action Center</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Submit comments through the FCC</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Produced in partnership with <a href="https://edcircuit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><em>CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes.</em></p><p><br></p><p><em>This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.</em></p>