How do you qualify for E-rate?

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.

Does E-rate still exist?

In recent years, the FCC refocused E-Rate from legacy telecommunications services to broadband, with a goal to significantly expand Wi-Fi access. These steps to modernize the program are helping E-Rate keep pace with the need for increased Internet access.

How do you apply Erates?

6 Steps for a Successful E-Rate Application

  1. Step 1: Open a Competitive Bid Process.
  2. Step 2: Honor the 28-Day Waiting Period.
  3. Step 3: Submit Signed Contracts and Form 471.
  4. Step 4: Be Responsive During the Application Review.
  5. Step 5: Receive the Funding Decision.
  6. Step 6: Invoice USAC.

What does online with E-rate mean?

The E-rate – or, more precisely, the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism – provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access.

Is E-rate a federal grant?

The E-rate Program is one of four universal service programs funded through the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).

What is E-rate Category 2?

The second category of equipment and services eligible for E-rate support, Category Two, includes the internal connections needed for broadband connectivity within schools. Support is limited to the internal connections necessary to bring broadband into, and provide it throughout schools.

Is erate a federal program?

Who administers E-rate?

The Schools and Libraries Division
The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the USAC, commonly referred to as E-rate, is responsible for all aspects of administering the E-rate program, including: Communication and training of applicants and service providers.

Which law is tied to E-Rate funding?

The Children’s Internet Protection Act
The Children’s Internet Protection Act, passed in the year 2000, stipulates that in order to receive E-rate funding, schools and libraries are required to block or filter internet access to pictures that are: (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to minors (for computers that are accessed by minors).

Are firewalls E-rate eligible?

SonicWall provides a broad array of E-rate-eligible products and services, including firewalls and turnkey Security-as-a-Service solutions.

What does E rate mean in USF?

E-Rate – Schools & Libraries USF Program. E-Rate. The schools and libraries universal service support program, commonly known as the E-rate program, helps schools and libraries to obtain affordable broadband. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium.

Is there a process overview for E-rate applicants?

Here is a process overview for applicants. These steps will take you through the E-rate program process and provide you with everything you need to know along the way.

What is the schools and libraries E-Rate program?

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) program provides discounts on eligible data transmission services and internet access, internal connections, and managed internal broadband services and equipment for eligible schools and libraries. Here is a process overview for applicants.

How much is the E-Rate program funded?

In 2014, the FCC’s the Second E-Rate Order increased the cap for the program to $3.9 billion in funding year 2015, indexed to inflation going forward. The funding cap for funding year 2021 is $4.276 billion. Does the E-Rate program duplicate state and local efforts?