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# Most E-Rate Funds Spent in Highest-Need Areas, Researcher Says
- URL: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/most-e-rate-funds-spent-in-highest-need-areas-researcher-says/
- Published: 2026-08-17T16:50:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T09:48:59.000Z
- Description: In fiscal year 2024, the program spent 62 percent of funding on broadband subscriptions and 35 percent on networking gear
- Author: Jake Neenan
- Tags: Digital Inclusion, BroadbandClusters, Hari Narayanan, E-Rate, FCC, Brendan Carr, #with-siderail, Alaska, New York, tim miles

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2026 – Most funds under the Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate program go to schools and libraries in lower income areas, a recent analysis found.

The program provides discounts on broadband and telecom services to schools and libraries, and spends about $2.5 billion annually. The program provides discounts to participants based on the percentage of students that are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

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