#United States #Englewood #Funding Cuts #Mission Telecom #E-Rate

Mission Telecom Takes Action for Educational Connectivity

In a decisive move to address deepening inequalities in internet access, Mission Telecom has stepped up to support schools and libraries that are adversely affected by the recent cuts to the E-Rate program by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students, particularly in low-income and rural areas, can access essential online resources.

The Challenge of FCC Funding Cuts

On September 29, 2025, the FCC made a controversial decision to eliminate funding for school bus Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots under the E-Rate program. This cut threatens to undermine the internet accessibility that many students rely upon to learn and complete assignments outside of traditional classroom settings. With the loss of these resources, millions of students are at risk of falling further behind in their education due to lack of connectivity.

As Mark Colwell, Director of Broadband Operations at Mission Telecom, pointed out, "With this unfortunate decision, communities that depend on these tools for digital access face significant challenges. Schools and libraries represent vital connections for students and the community. Our organization is committed to ensuring that these essential services remain available even when federal support is withdrawn."

Mission Telecom's New Offer

In response to these alarming changes, Mission Telecom has introduced a new program that directly matches the E-Rate discount, allowing schools and libraries to retain affordable access to Wi-Fi services. The initiative offers several key benefits:

• - Affordable Pricing: Schools and libraries can receive guaranteed pricing for service through June 30, 2026.
• - Inclusive Coverage: This offer applies not only to mobile hotspots but also to school bus Wi-Fi programs.
• - Unlimited Plans: Institutions can select from unlimited 4G/5G broadband plans, along with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) options.
• - No Hidden Costs: Offering straightforward agreements, there are no complex contracts or unexpected fees involved.
• - Quick Setup: Transitioning to this service is seamless, with free SIM cards delivered within 3–5 business days that come with CIPA-compliant filtering at no additional cost.

This initiative, branded as a follow-up to Mission-Connect launched in July 2025, demonstrates Mission Telecom's commitment to keeping educational institutions connected amid ongoing uncertainty in federal funding.

A Positive Response from the Community

Feedback from various stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive since the announcement of this initiative. Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association, expressed gratitude for Mission Telecom's active role. "Our libraries that were relying on E-Rate funding faced a daunting future when those resources were cut. Mission Telecom's initiative will go a long way in preserving educational services that contribute to the community's growth," Helmick stated.

Joseph Wender, Executive Director of the Schools, Health & Libraries (SHLB) Broadband Coalition, highlighted the necessity of such measures: "The FCC's recent decision has left many institutions in a precarious situation. The response from Mission Telecom to offer assistance demonstrates a commitment to education and connectivity that is crucial in these trying times."

Moreover, Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), remarked, “Mission Telecom’s leadership sets a precedent in promoting digital equity. At a juncture when internet access is more vital than ever, their efforts are invaluable in keeping students connected and learning.”

Looking Ahead

Mission Telecom is positioned not just as a service provider but as a champion for digital equity. With the landscape of education and connectivity continuously evolving, their proactive measures reflect a broader commitment to close the digital divide. Schools and libraries interested in this offer can sign up through Mission Telecom’s dedicated webpage, ensuring they can continue to provide essential services to their communities during these challenging times.

For further information on how to apply for Mission Telecom’s new offer, institutions can visit Mission Telecom’s official website. Here, they can find detailed guidance and support to navigate the application process effectively.

As the challenges regarding digital access within education persist, it remains critical for organizations like Mission Telecom to innovate and collaborate, ensuring that all students receive the connected learning environments they deserve.