E-Rate Assistance for Schools and Libraries

Overview

The Universal Service Schools and Libraries Program, commonly known as the E-rate Program, helps ensure that schools and libraries can obtain high-speed Internet access and telecommunications at affordable rates.

Funding may be requested under two categories of service: Category One and Category Two.  Category One services include Data Transmission Services, Internet Access, and Voice Services. Category Two services include Internal Connections, Managed Internal Broadband Services, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections. Discounts for support depend on the category of service requested, the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the school district. Discounts range from 20 percent to 90 percent of the costs of eligible services. Voice Services are subject to a phasedown of 20 percent each funding year until Funding Year (FY) 2019 when voice services will no longer be funded.