SHLB Coalition Archives

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr speaks at a news conference following an FCC meeting at the FCC headquarters on Feb. 18, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images)

FCC votes to create E-Rate bidding portal for schools and libraries, against their wishes

Controversially, the FCC voted to create a competitive bidding portal for schools and libraries participating in the E-Rate broadband subsidy program.

Apr 30, 2026 By Keely Quinlan

students on computers — Students from Pacoima Elementary School explore the Pacoima Community Technology Center in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 2003. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

School, library groups urge FCC not to create proposed E-Rate bidding portal

A cohort of advocacy groups argued that an online E-Rate portal would be "overly burdensome" for under-resourced schools, libraries and ISPs.

Apr 23, 2026 By Keely Quinlan

Broadband groups urge NTIA to let states define ‘community anchor institutions’ for BEAD funds

Broadband groups are worried that narrowing the definition of "community anchor institution" will limit access to BEAD funds.

Aug 12, 2025 By Keely Quinlan