Senate Ends Free Wi‑Fi Funding for Schools and Libraries

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 3:20 pm

The Senate has abruptly ended federal subsidies for free Wi‑Fi in schools and libraries, a move that leaves digital access hanging by a thread. Critics decry the decision as a setback for connectivity, while supporters claim it’s a necessary course correction to eliminate program misuse.

theverge.com / Congress votes to pull funding for free Wi-Fi hotspots at schools and libraries

The Senate has voted to end a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that used federal funding to cover Wi-Fi hotspots that could be used outside of school and libraries. The program, first implemented by former FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, applied funds from the $2.6 billion federal…

arstechnica.com / Senate passes “cruel” Republican plan to block Wi-Fi hotspots for schoolkids

Senate vote nullifies FCC hotspot-lending program for kids without broadband.

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 39 hours ago #techpolicy #government #broadband #education

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Senate Ends Free Wi‑Fi Funding for Schools and Libraries

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