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
FY2012 Form 471 Application Filing Window Dates Announced
The Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2012 will open at noon on Monday, January 9, 2012 and will close at 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. The filing window will be open for 72 days.
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
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.
- New Mexico State Library Technology Planning Workbook
- New Mexico State Library Technology Plan Template
- Technology Planning - Step 2 (USAC Universal Service Administrative Company)
The Children's Internet Protection Act and information about Filtering:
From the American Library Association’s Website:
From the Public Library Association: Meeting CIPA Requirements with Technology
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
patricia.moore@state.nm.us
