I think we have our answer. Everyone's been wondering whether the FCC's recent decisions to stop funding WiFi hotspot lending and school bus WiFi would be retroactive, and if so, how retroactive.
We were expecting that FY 2025-2026 would be denied, and it seemed that the FCC had agreed that FY 2024-2025 would not be effective. Today, we got some confirmation of that.
The FCC released an amended Eligible Services List (ESL) for FY 2025-2026, making bus WiFi and hotspots ineligible. But they did not release an amended ESL for FY 2024-2025, so it seems that year's funding is safe.
I'm cranky about the change for FY 2025-2026. I mean, we went through the whole proposed ESL process and the FCC said, "This is what's eligible for this funding year." Based on that ESL, districts made decisions on what they could afford, and were forced to sign a contract before filing the Form 471. Now six months after signing a contract, and three months after the service has started, the FCC says, "We've changed our minds; no funding on these services. Tough luck if you're stuck with contracts you can no longer afford."
Removal of items from the ESL should be phased in over years, so districts aren't left holding the bag. Removal definitely shouldn't be retroactive.
Well, at least it wasn't as retroactive as it could have been.
This is such a thoughtful breakdown of the FCC’s decisions. Sudden changes like this really do disrupt planning and trust. Policies should always respect commitments already made. At eclergys, we understand how important consistency and reliability are whether it’s in funding or in the quality of clergy attire we provide. Communities thrive when they can count on promises being kept.
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