Hotspot Program

The E-rate Hotspot Program has developed from the FCC's Learn without Limits initiative and the lessons learned from the Emergency Connectivity Program. For a good, library-focused overview of the program, check out ALA's Learn Without Limits information page. ALA has also developed a library-focused FAQ on the hotspot program.

For all of the details from the FCC, you can read the full Report and Order, which includes federal program rules.

There are currently eLearning Modules available from USAC, the E-rate program administrators. Check out these two sections of Module 2 in particular:

• C1: Wi-Fi Hotspots for Off Premises Use (Data Transmission)
• C1: Wi-Fi Hotspots for Off Premises Use (Equipment)

For your consideration, OPLIN has requested consortia bids for the FY2025 E-Rate Hotspot Program. The full RFP can be found here. The allowable contract date for this Form 470 has passed, and we have received bids from these three vendors:

• AT&T
• Kajeet, as distributed by CDWG
• T-Mobile

To use these bids, first determine your bid evaluation criteria; the selected bid must be the most cost-effective bid, and price must be the most heavily weighted factor. Then you may contact the vendor to request a contract for your local library. The contact information for each vendor is as follows:

You may also choose to ignore the consortia bids and request your own bids through the Form 470 process. Please note: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 is the last date that you can submit and certify an FY2025 FCC Form 470 and still wait the required minimum 28-day period before submitting and certifying your FY2025 FCC Form 471 by March 26, 2025, the last date of the FY2025 application filing window.

Questions? Contact OPLIN Support.