Molaks Urge Fifth Circuit Not to Dismiss E-Rate Hotspot Case

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2024 – The Federal Communications Commission asked federal judges to dismiss a legal challenge to its expansion of a broadband subsidy for schools. The Texas couple fighting the rule on Monday urged the court to let it stand.

The agency moved in July to allow its E-Rate program, which provides internet discounts for schools and libraries, to fund Wi-Fi hotspots for students to check out and use off campus. Maurine and Matthew Molak sued to block the order in August, arguing the agency lacked legal authority to put E-Rate funds toward any off-campus connectivity.

The Molaks run an anti-cyberbullying nonprofit dedicated to their son, who died by suicide after being bullied online. They have taken legal action against multiple FCC attempts to expand E-Rate, believing the moves would result in more unsupervised social media access.