[CASL-L] Fwd: ALA Advocacy Alert: Thank the FCC for new hotspot funding!

[CASL President]

Consider sending a thank you for this important work! It's quick and easy.

No images? Click here
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-e-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-c/>
[image: The Learn Without Limits header photo.]
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-r/>



Hello, Jenny!

We can’t get over the good news: at their July meeting, the Federal
Communications Commission voted
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-y/>
to allow libraries and schools to use federal E-rate funds to purchase
Wi-Fi hotspots and the related service.

This is a* big* win for libraries!
Send a thank-you message now!
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-j/>

Since FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel publicly announced
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-t/>
her *Learn Without Limits* proposal at ALA’s 2023 annual conference, we've
been gathering input from library workers around the country on their
hotspot lending programs. Thanks to their expertise and your advocacy, the
FCC acted on much of ALA’s feedback in shaping the new policy. Now,
libraries who participate in the E-rate program will have more resources to
offer more hotspots to people who need a connection.

What’s next? Glad you asked! Our three next steps involve library advocates
like you.

1. *Say thanks to Chairwoman Rosenworcel.* It’s not often enough that such
a high-level policymaker will use their leadership to support library
services. This is also a big win for Chairwoman Rosenworcel, who’s
dedicated her career to bridging the digital divide.
Email FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel!
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-i/>

2. *Get ready to purchase hotspots in the FY25 E-rate cycle.* Wi-Fi
hotspots will be added to the eligible services list in fiscal year 2025. Read
ALA’s FAQ
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-d/>
on the program rules, and stay tuned
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-h/>
for a webinar coming in September!

3. *Stay informed on digital equity funding for all kinds of libraries.*
Things are moving fast! On the heels of the FCC’s vote on E-rate funding
for hotspots, the government separately opened the application window for
more than $2 billion in new federal money for digital inclusion programs.
Nearly all libraries offer some kind of digital literacy programming, and
nearly all libraries – public, academic, school, and others – are eligible
to apply. Learn more about accessing that funding at ALA’s web page
<https://americanlibraryassociation.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fxqll-tijjjrjykk-k/>
on digital equity policy.
[image: ALA advocate and Library Director Maria McCauley joined Chairwoman
Rosenworcel, Senator Markey, and others in a roundtable to discuss the ways
hotspot lending programs help to close the digital divide, and what the new
program will mean for communities in Massachusetts.]

*ALA advocate and Library Director Maria McCauley joined Chairwoman
Rosenworcel, Senator Markey, and others in a roundtable to discuss the ways
hotspot lending programs help to close the digital divide, and what the new
program will mean for communities in Massachusetts.*

Since leading the fight to establish the FCC’s E-rate program in the 1990s,
ALA has worked with the Commission to improve the program so that more
libraries can participate and more communities can get online. Thanks to
leadership from Chairwoman Rosenworcel, our long-term advocacy is making
real impacts. And thanks to your advocacy, there are more opportunities
than ever for libraries to access billions of dollars for digital equity
programs.

With gratitude for your advocacy,

ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Team


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*Contact Us*
ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office
1615 New Hampshire Ave NW, 1st Floor
Washington, D.C. 20009-2520
Phone: (202) 628-8410

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