E-Rate
E-Rate: Universal Service Discount Program for Libraries
E-rate is a federally created program to provide discounts to assist most schools and libraries with obtaining affordable telecommunications and Internet access. It was enacted by Congress under the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Universal Service Administration as the mechanism for administering the program. Services eligible for E-rate discounts include telephone service, data circuit connections, Internet access and internal connections. Discounts, ranging from 20% to 90%, are based on an individual school's enrollment participation for the National School Lunch program. The discount percentage for a library is based on the weighted discount percentage for the school district in which the library is located.
E-rate is a federally created program to provide discounts to assist most schools and libraries with obtaining affordable telecommunications and Internet access. It was enacted by Congress under the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Universal Service Administration as the mechanism for administering the program. Services eligible for E-rate discounts include telephone service, data circuit connections, Internet access and internal connections. Discounts, ranging from 20% to 90%, are based on an individual school's enrollment participation for the National School Lunch program. The discount percentage for a library is based on the weighted discount percentage for the school district in which the library is located.
Latest E-Rate News from the USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company)
FCC Form 470 Deadline is Thursday, February 14, 2013
February 14, 2013 is the last possible date to post an FCC Form 470 on USAC’s website, meet the 28-day posting requirement for the competitive bidding process, and submit your FCC Form 471 and Item 21 Attachment(s) on the March 14, 2013 filing window closing date.
FY2013 Eligible Services List – Now Available 
FY2012 Eligible Services List
Ten Rules for E-Rate Success
Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Website for Official E-Rate Guidance:
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Apply Online
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Calculating Your Discount
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Universal Services Discount Matrix
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Resources to Guide You Through the E-Rate Process - this takes you to the Reference Area with a multitude of topics
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Eligible Services List
Other Informational Resources for E-Rate:
E-Rate Central
WebJunction
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Free and Reduced Lunch Program Participation Data (most recent available): New Mexico School District Free/Reduced Lunches Data
Technology Planning:
Technology Plans and the E-Rate Program: A Primer for Libraries
* Effective for FY 2011, beginning July 1, 2011, applicants applying only for Telecommunications and Internet Access services (Priority1) are no longer required to have technology plans.
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Technology Planning - Step 2 (USAC Universal Service Administrative Company)
The Children's Internet Protection Act and information about Filtering:
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From the American Library Association’s Website: CPPA, COPA, CIPA: Which Is Which?
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From the FCC: Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Legal FAQ
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From the Public Library Association:
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E-Rate Central - CIPA Resources
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The ARIZONA State Library has excellent overall E-Rate documentation presented at:
http://www.lib.az.us/erate/
From the TEXAS State Library: you can check out the first three (of five) modules for its online E-rate training at the following link. It covers everything pre-commitment and has a fun Knight’s Quest theme.
https://onlinetraining.tsl.state.tx.us/course/view.php?id=107&username=guest
[This is a guest access link, which means you can view the 3 flash modules and resources, but can’t take the quiz or get the CE certificate.]
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For more information or questions on E-Rate, contact:
Patricia Moore, Technology Consultant
Phone: 505-476-9724 or 800-340-3890
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