FCC Review of E-Rate: Mississippi Library Information and Resources
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing the E-Rate program. This page provides Mississippi-specific information, important dates, and easy access to resources and tools so libraries, trustees, Friends groups, foundations, patrons, and other community supporters can learn more and take action if they choose.
Current Status
E-Rate has NOT been eliminated.
The FCC has launched a formal, top-to-bottom review of the E-Rate program. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) were adopted on June 25, 2026, and released on June 26, 2026.
Public comments may be submitted now.
Comment deadline: October 13, 2026
Reply-comment deadline: November 12, 2026
Primary Docket:
WC Docket No. 26-133
Related Dockets:
WC Docket Nos.
13-184, 21-93, and 21-455
What is E-Rate?
E-Rate is a federal program that helps eligible schools and libraries obtain affordable internet access, broadband connections, Wi-Fi networks, and internal network equipment and services.
Why E-Rate Matters in Mississippi
E-Rate support helps Mississippi public libraries provide and maintain internet connectivity that enables education, job searches, telehealth, government services, workforce development, research, and access to information for all Mississippians.
In FY2026, Mississippi public libraries have received approximately $2.10 million in E-Rate commitments for internet service and network infrastructure.
What is the FCC Reviewing?
The FCC is seeking public input on several areas of the E-Rate program, including:
- The future scope of eligible services and funding
- Children’s online safety and the CIPA requirement
- Program integrity and misuse prevention
- Consultant oversight
- Program administration and efficiency
Choose How You Want to Participate
You can help by submitting a comment to the FCC, contacting your members of Congress, or sharing information with your community.
Mississippi E-Rate Toolkit
Templates, data, and guides to help libraries and supporters participate in the public process.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
The E-Rate program has not been eliminated. The FCC has opened a formal rulemaking proceeding and is seeking public comment on the program’s future.
The FCC is specifically seeking input on whether the E-Rate program should continue in its current form, be limited or restructured, or potentially be sunset. These are questions the FCC is asking for public input. There are no changes that have already taken effect.
For now, libraries should continue following the existing E-Rate rules and deadlines.
There are two important deadlines:
Initial comments are due October 13, 2026.
Reply comments are due November 12, 2026.
The deadlines are based on the August 14, 2026, publication of the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register.
Yes.
The FCC’s proceedings are open for public participation. Individuals, libraries, Friends groups, foundations, community organizations, and other interested parties may submit comments.
Comments can explain how E-Rate-supported connectivity affects the library, its patrons, and the community it serves.
MLC encourages participants to speak from their own experiences and explain the specific impact E-Rate has on their communities.
MLC is monitoring the FCC proceeding and is providing Mississippi libraries with information and resources to help them understand the process and participate if they choose.
Libraries, Friends groups, foundations, trustees, patrons, and other interested parties may submit their own comments directly to the FCC.
Yes.
At this time, libraries should continue to operate under the current E-Rate rules and requirements.
The FCC’s notice is asking questions about possible future changes. It does not mean that libraries should stop their current E-Rate activities.
E-Rate can be an important source of support for library connectivity and internal network infrastructure.
The FCC is specifically asking whether libraries would be able to afford currently supported services if E-Rate were limited or terminated and how library connectivity needs may change over the next five to ten years.
This is an opportunity for libraries to explain what E-Rate means to their communities.
The complete Federal Register notice contains the FCC’s questions, proposed changes, filing instructions, and information about the comment process.
The FCC is seeking comment on several issues affecting the E-Rate program, including questions involving:
- The future scope and structure of the E-Rate program
- Eligible services and equipment
- Funding and affordability
- CIPA and children’s online safety requirements
- Program administration
- Consultant participation and oversight
- Program integrity and prevention of waste, fraud, and abuse
- Cost-effectiveness and other program requirements
The FCC also asks broader questions about whether and how the E-Rate program should evolve in light of changes in broadband availability and technology.
E-Rate support can help libraries afford broadband, internet access, Wi-Fi, and eligible internal network infrastructure.
For Mississippi libraries, E-Rate funding can help support connectivity used for:
- Job searches and workforce development
- Education and online learning
- Telehealth access
- Government services
- Research and information access
- Digital literacy
- Community connectivity
Changes to the E-Rate program could therefore affect how libraries plan and pay for connectivity and technology in the future.
No, not at this time. The FCC’s action begins a rulemaking and public comment process; it does not immediately change the current E-Rate program or terminate existing funding. Libraries should continue to follow current E-Rate rules, deadlines, and requirements while the FCC considers comments and determines whether any changes should be adopted.
Contact MLC
For questions or additional assistance:
Phone: (601) 432-4117
MLC is here to support Mississippi libraries.
Reach out with any questions.
