Congress Kills FCC Hotspot Lending Program: A Political Battle Over the Digital Divide

A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program lending Wi-Fi hotspots to schools has been killed by Congress. Senator Blumenthal criticized the move as pointless and unhelpful to schools and families. Senator Markey called it a "cruel and shortsighted decision" that will widen the digital divide. The program stemmed from the termination of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) authorized in 2021, with the FCC attempting to compensate by adjusting the E-Rate program. However, FCC Chairman Carr opposed the plan, arguing that only Congress could decide whether to reinstate it. Representative Fulcher argued that the FCC's move exceeded legal boundaries and was a "political stunt." The E-Rate program itself has limited funds, capped at $4.94 billion annually, with $2.48 billion spent in 2023. Funding comes from fees levied on phone companies. The core of the controversy centers on understanding digital equity, governmental authority, and the allocation of limited public resources.