What is E-Rate?

The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly referred to as E-rate (Education rate), makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections.   For a summary of the program, see E-rate Overview

Begun in 1998, the program's goal is to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services. It is overseen by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).  The program makes available $2.25 billion annually for eligible technology services.

All schools, public or private, that are non-profit and do not have endowments exceeding $50 million are eligible for E-rate!

Schools and libraries can save up to 90% on eligible telecommunication, Internet access, and internal connections, and most can save at least 40%. The amount of savings is calculated using the number of students eligible for the USDA's National School Lunch Program (NSLP), often called the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. 

Telecommunications carriers pay into the fund that then subsidizes eligible services and products for schools and libraries.

All E-rate eligible services and products are grouped into four categories:

• Telecommunications Services (telephone & cell service, voice mail, local and long distance service, Wide Area Networks provided by telecommunications vendors)
• Internet Access (Internet service, email, Wide Area Networks, etc.)
• Internal Connections (wiring, routers, switches, some servers, PBXs & voice mail, etc.)
• Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (wiring, routers, switches, some servers, PBXs & voice mail, etc.)

The above are just broad categories.  See the new 47 page list of eligible services for the 2007-2008 program year for more details about what services and products are eligible under each category. The FCC updates the Eligible Services List each year.

In addition to TECedge's E-rate specific services, TECedge's technology planning identifies technology projects that can be wholy or partially funded through E-rate and its technology selection and acquisition assistance ensures that procurement is consistent with E-rate rules.

See TECedge E-rate Consulting Services for more details or call today 617-276-6479 or email E-rate@tecedge.net for more information on TECedge's E-rate Services!