More than a simple personnel change, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks’ exit signals the possibility of big changes for E-rate, cybersecurity in schools, and funding. It hands Republicans a 2-1 majority on the commission, a shift with real implications for your district’s connectivity funding. If your school relies on E-rate for broadband or is watching the FCC’s cybersecurity pilot closely, now is the time to pay attention. Here’s what’s in play.
A GOP-Controlled FCC Could Rethink E-Rate Flexibility
Starks’ departure creates an opportunity for Republican Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington to revisit policies they’ve long opposed. Chief among them: using E-rate funds for off-campus connectivity like mobile hotspots and Wi-Fi on school buses. Both have argued that such use stretches beyond the FCC’s authority under the Telecommunications Act. With no longer any Democratic majority to push back, they could act quickly.
Don’t assume past expansions are safe. Carr and Simington voted against them before. Now, they don’t need a swing vote.
The Bigger Threat Might Be in Congress
While FCC reversals are possible, the more immediate danger comes from Capitol Hill. A Senate resolution that strips E-rate support for mobile hotspots passed on May 8 and awaits a House vote. If it passes and gets the president’s signature, the FCC won’t even have the option to support mobile connectivity, regardless of who sits on the commission.
Advocacy matters here. Education groups like the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) are calling on school leaders to contact their House representatives now. The future of student connectivity and equal opportunities is at stake.
Cybersecurity Pilot Program in Limbo
The $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot, launched in 2024, is another likely target. Carr and Simington both opposed it, citing the same authority concerns. While current funding has been allocated, future expansions or renewals could be on the chopping block.
But don’t expect any sudden moves just yet. Legal uncertainty surrounding the Universal Service Fund (USF), which finances both E-rate and the pilot, may stall action. The Supreme Court is set to decide whether the USF is even constitutional: A decision that could radically reshape the FCC’s funding tools.
E-rate’s Political Staying Power … For Now
Despite current tensions, there’s reason for cautious optimism. The E-rate program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It’s a rare issue that crosses party lines. But the methods and mechanisms of support — especially how flexible the funding can be — are under pressure.
Joseph Wender of the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition doesn’t anticipate the core of the E-rate program being dismantled. Still, watch for quieter but impactful changes: tighter restrictions, slower approvals, or narrow reinterpretations that make it harder to serve students beyond the classroom.
What You Can Do Now
- Stay vocal. Don’t assume federal programs are protected. Local advocacy influences national decisions, especially in the House vote expected soon.
- Monitor funding rules. If you rely on E-rate for anything beyond basic campus connectivity, be ready to pivot. What’s allowed today may not be tomorrow.
- Plan for cybersecurity gaps. Don’t count on federal pilot extensions. Begin exploring state-level support, partnerships, or local investments if you’re piloting new protections.
