A recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission to end assistance meant to expand Wi-Fi access in communities during the pandemic lockdown will force L.A. County libraries to end their digital lending services.

The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday voted to end E-Rate discounts to libraries and schools for hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi, saying the initiatives “exceeded” or were “inconsistent” with the commission's authority.

The FCC’s decision already is having direct effects on local libraries.

“Due to the FCC’s recent vote to end E-Rate support for library hotspot lending, L.A. County Library will begin winding down its digital lending services,” Karol Sarkisyan, marketing manager at L.A. County Library, told LAist. “Continuing these services would cost th

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