All4Ed USF Recommendations
The Universal Service Fund (USF) provides funding for several programs that help to ensure access to connectivity, including the E-rate program. All4Ed offered recommendations to the bipartisan USF Working Group, led by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
E-rate is an incredibly successful program. From 2022–2024, E Rate supported approximately 106,000 schools and 12,597 libraries with just over $7.02 billion for broadband and internal connections, benefiting roughly 54.4 million students nationwide. As Congress modernizes USF to reflect how and where learning happens today, All4Ed recommends clarifying that E-rate can be used to support off-campus access and broadening the contribution base for USF rather than shifting to annual appropriations. These steps will provide predictable, durable support so districts and libraries can plan multi-year upgrades, protect their networks, and ensure that connectivity closes opportunity gaps.
