E-Rate

E-Rate is the common name for the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism. E-Rate provides discounts to assist schools and libraries to obtain affordable internal connections, telecommunication services, Internet access, and basic maintenance support. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers the program at the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). USAC's Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) administers the program.

Who is eligible and how to qualify…

Schools & Libraries

• Eligibility based on the free & reduced lunch discount level with the most needy districts having the highest change of qualifying
• For free & reduced lunch numbers please contact your state's Department of Education Office
• For Priority 1 services all districts who file their applications should be funded
• For Priority 2 services (internal connections and basic maintenance) eligibility based on free & reduced lunch numbers. Based on past history and future trends
• CBE recommends any school with a discount level above 70% consider applying for Priority 2 services

Highlight of Eligible Equipment

Priority 1 Services

• Local/Long Distance Telephone Services
• Cell Phone Services
• Data Connectivity (T1 Lines/Leased Fiber)

Priority 2 Services

• Network Switches and routers
• Data/phone cabling
• Web, email, DHCP, DNS, and Thin-client servers
• Software related to eligible equipment
• Wireless networks
• Phone systems (excluding handsets)
• Firewalls
• Video Conferencing Systems
• Installation Services
• Basic Maintenance of all eligible equipment

CBE can provide the following E-Rate services for interested applicants:

• E-Rate Consulting Services
• Network Design, installation and procurement
• Basic Maintenance contracts
• Expertise in navigating through e-rate application and post-application process

Website Organization Description www.usac.org/sl/ Universal Service Administrative Company - Schools and Libraries Main website for the E-Rate Program. http://www.universalservice.org/sl/tools/news-brief/news-briefs.aspx USAC: E-Rate News Brief Subscribe to weekly electronic news brief containing information about upcoming funding commitments, tips to help you through the application process, and other timely information http://www.universalservice.org/sl/tools/eligible-services-list.aspx USAC: Eligible Services List The Eligible Services List provides guidance on the eligibility of products and services under the Schools and Libraries Program. http://www.universalservice.org/sl/tools/required-forms.aspx USAC: Required Forms All Schools and Libraries forms are available for download. http://www.universalservice.org/sl/tools/reference-area.aspx USAC: Reference Area This section features links to specific information items, such as fact sheets, that USAC has created to provide further guidance about the Schools and Libraries Program. http://www.fcc.gov/learnnet/ Federal Communications Commission FCC's Website regarding E-Rate http://www.fundsforlearning.com/ Funds for Learning Funds For Learning is an educational technology consulting firm specializing in the federal E-Rate program. Website contains up to date ERate news and resources.