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E-Rate

Program Overview

The Education Rate (E-Rate) is the result of a regulatory decision made by the Federal Communications Commission. On May 7, 1997, the FCC adopted a Universal Service Order implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Snow-Rockefeller-Exon-Kerrey Amendment to this law makes networking equipment and Internet connectivity affordable for schools and libraries. The Universal Service Program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). This not-for-profit corporation was appointed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that the benefits of telecommunications services reach students and communities across the country. The E-rate provides discounts of 20% to 90% on the cost of telecommunications, Internet Access, and network wiring within school and library buildings. The discounts are paid directly to the companies that provide schools and libraries with these services.

Eligible Services

The E-rate Program provides discounts for eligible Schools and Libraries in obtaining the following services:

* Telecommunications
* Internet Access
* Internal Connections
* Network Equipment Maintenance

Discount Calculations are based on the following eligibility programs:

  • Free or Reduced Lunch Program
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Federal Nutrition Assistance Program
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Federal Supplemental Security (SSI)
  • Medicaid
  • Income Level per Household

Income range is based on latest USDA Poverty Guideline