ALA says libraries cannot replace E-Rate support
American Library AssociationInstitutional statement through E-Rate Task Force chair Christine Morris
ALA opposes eliminating or reducing support, arguing libraries cannot replace continuing broadband funding.
Responding to
Removing E-Rate support would reduce library connectivity or other library services because local institutions cannot replace the funding.
“There is no replacement for E-Rate, no ‘Plan B’ to ensure broadband is affordable for libraries and schools.”
Official statement
Where this statement fits
FCC asks whether to limit or end E-Rate; the American Library Association objects
The FCC adopted a notice on June 25, 2026 asking whether E-Rate should be limited or sunset. It also asks whether schools should have to let parents opt children out of screen-based instruction as a condition of receiving support. The agency says it is reviewing the program's educational purposes and statutory scope. According to the notice, the American Library Association was among E-Rate advocates who asked the FCC in a June 16 filing not to seek comment on ending the program. The FCC said it would seek comment on that premise rather than assume it. In comments dated October 13, ALA said E-Rate should not be terminated or limited and argued that the FCC lacks authority to end it. The notice seeks comment; it does not eliminate E-Rate.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
ALA's October 14 release on its FCC comments, with statements from E-Rate Task Force chair Christine Morris. Its economic estimate comes from a study by the Brattle Group for ALA and other members of the SHLB coalition.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Morris, chair of ALA's E-Rate Task Force, said broadband connectivity is a continuing process that Congress committed to when it established E-Rate.
After the quotation
She then urged library supporters to tell their senators and representatives what broadband access means to them.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to the FCC's review of whether to limit or end E-Rate, ALA argues that the support has no substitute and that losing it would cut library connectivity or services. That is direct criticism of the proposed cuts.
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More from this case
Read the full caseFCC asks whether E-Rate should be narrowed or ended
Federal Communications Commission
“Action: Adopted FCC 26-41, seeking comment on whether E-Rate should be limited or sunset and on possible funding conditions.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "ALA says libraries cannot replace E-Rate support". First published: 2026-10-15. Last updated: 2026-10-15. https://disputeindex.com/events/5757-ala-opposes-eliminating-or-reducing-support-arguing-libraries