E-Rate Program – Discounted Telecommunications Services
The universal service Schools and Libraries Program, commonly known as “E-rate,”
provides discounts of up to 90 percent
to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access.
Who is eligible for E-Rate program?
In general, elementary schools, secondary schools, private schools, and religious schools are all eligible to receive discounts as long as they have
an endowment less than $50 million
and are not-for-profit.
What is federal E-Rate program?
E-Rate Program – Discounted Telecommunications Services
The universal service Schools and Libraries Program, commonly known as “E-rate,”
provides discounts of up to 90 percent
to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access.
What are the benefits of E-Rate program for schools?
What benefits are available under the E-Rate program? Eligible schools and libraries may
receive discounts on telecommunications, telecommunications services, and Internet access
, as well as internal connections, managed internal broadband services and basic maintenance of internal connections.
How is the E-Rate program funded?
E-rate program funding is
based on demand up to an annual Commission-established cap of $4.276 billion
. The E-rate program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the FCC.
Which law is tied to E-Rate funding?
The Schools and Libraries portion of the Universal Service Fund, more widely known as E-Rate, was authorized as part of
the Telecommunications Act of 1996, section 254
.
Is E-rate federal funding?
The E-rate Program is
one of four universal service programs funded
through the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).
What is E-Rate library?
E-rate, also known as the Universal Services Schools and Libraries support mechanism, is the
program that provides discounts to public libraries as
well as K-12 schools on telecommunications services, internet access, Wi-Fi equipment, and some closely related costs like internal cabling.
What is E-Rate consulting?
The primary role of E-rate consultants is
to help schools and districts identify and complete USAC forms for Internet access discounts
. Participating in E-rate application reviews, audits, and appeals. No. We provide guidance about E-rate filing strategies through our website, webinars, and other avenues.
How do I get erate certified?
- Knowledge of E-rate program rules, regulations and policies.
- Years of experience consulting with multiple applicants (3+ years)
- Serve as an employee or owner of an E-mpa®-member organization.
Are private schools eligible for E-rate?
How to Participate? These funds are available for public and private schools and libraries that meet the requirements of the program.
How do I become an electronic rate vendor?
There is no pre-qualification or screening process required in order for companies to begin participating in the E-rate program. Officially, all a company needs to do is
apply for a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) by submitting the FCC Form 498
— a process that is open to any company in the country.
Does E-rate apply to universities?
The CENIC E-rate Consortium
applies for E-rate discounts on the circuits that
create the statewide network for California’s K–12 Schools. … The CTF is funded by a surcharge on residential phone bills and has provided over $50 million to eligible entities in California.
What is erate season?
The E-rate application season
opens in July of every year and closes in March
. The earlier you can get in your applications, the earlier they will be approved and your school can begin planning for updates/advancements.
What is USAC funding?
Connecting Millions to Broadband Services
USAC administers
the Universal Service Fund
under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
What is an FCC Form 471?
Applicants file an ECF FCC Form 471 (
Description of Services Ordered and Certification Form
) to request funding for Emergency Connectivity Fund Program eligible products and/or services purchased to meet the remote learning needs of students, school staff, and library patrons who would otherwise lack access to …
