PODCAST: Mission Telecom addresses E-Rate cuts with new unlimited wireless services

When the FCC cut E-Rate funding for mobile hotspots & school bus Wi-Fi in September 2025, it threatened internet access for millions of students – hitting low-income and rural students hardest and worsening the digital divide. Nearly 20K schools & libraries were counting on more than $27.5 million to ensure children and families stay connected, but now they’ve been left out to dry. 

But Mission Telecom is serving up a solution to protect affordable Wi-Fi access with a new offer to cover the loss of the revoked E-rate subsidies. The service provider is offering unlimited 4G/5G service at any applicant’s post-discount share of cost on their 471 through June 30, 2026. The new offer builds on Mission Telecom’s Mission-Connect, launched in July, which helped schools and libraries stay connected amidst E-rate uncertainty. Mission-Connect plan delivers affordable, unlimited wireless broadband to schools and libraries with pricing up to 65% below market rates and no contracts.

In this new Broadband Pulse podcast, we spoke with Mark Colwell, director of broadband operations at Mission Telecom, about how its new offer will enable schools and libraries to continue receiving internet access after the E-Rate wireless cuts.

Here's a timeline of the interview's key moments:

Opening | 0:00

Host introduction of guests | 0:03

Mission Telecom’s background | 0:20
How Mission Telecom began its life providing educational TV using MMDS spectrum, and later leased spectrum to the broadband wireless operator Clearwire, now T-Mobile.

FCC’s E-Rate eligibility | 2:04
Mission Telecom is providing an alternative service to schools and libraries for Wi-Fi on buses and wireless hotspots, which was cut from the E-Rate program.

Mission’s Wi-Fi program | 3:56
Mission’s broadband program now has over 120 partners (schools and libraries).

Schools and libraries benefiting from Mission’s program | 5:15
Littleton Public Schools (Colorado), Baltimore Public Library, York County Library (Charlotte, NC) and Boston Public Library are all trialing or using Mission’s wireless services.

Mission Telecom’s Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) partnership | 6:20
Advocating for libraries as a key piece in solving the digital divide.

Rural communities | 8:02
Mission is helping rural communities through its partnership with T-Mobile, whose low-band spectrum and 5G coverage is a good fit for smaller communities.  

Computers 4 People partnership | 9:33
How Mission Telecom works with various non-profit organizations that refurbish devices.

Looking towards 2026 and final thoughts | 10:49
Colwell shares how Mission Telecom is gaining traction in the school and library space and how communities are seeking affordability and a way to support their communities.