E-Rate, short for the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Program, is a federal
program that provides discounts to schools and libraries for
telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections, helping them
afford these essential services.
Purpose:
The E-Rate program, established by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, aims to
ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and
internet services, regardless of their location or the needs of their students and
patrons.
Funding:
The program is funded by the Universal Service Fund, which is a mechanism to
support telecommunications services in areas where they might not be economically
viable.
Administration:
The E-Rate program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company
(USAC), a non-profit corporation, under the authority of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC).
Eligibility:
Most public and private K-12 schools, as well as public libraries, are eligible for E-Rate
discounts.
Discounts:
Discounts range from 20% to 90% depending on the school or library’s location, the
number of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program, and other factors.
Services:
Eligible services include telecommunications, internet access, internal connections
(Category II), and basic maintenance of internal connections.
Process:
Schools and libraries must competitively bid on eligible services through the USAC E-
Rate Productivity Center (EPC) website, select the most cost-effective proposal, and
then apply to USAC for funding.
Modernization:
The FCC has recently modernized the E-Rate program to enable eligible schools and
libraries to create Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs to loan Wi-Fi hotspots and services
that can be used off-premises to students, school staff, and library patrons with the
greatest need.