The E-rate funding program has been ensuring that schools and libraries across the U.S. are connected to information and resources through the internet.
As more K-12 learning happens online, the need for increased bandwidth and wireless connectivity grows with every school year. The Schools and Libraries Program (E-Rate) provides discounts on eligible data transmission services and internet access, internal connections, and managed internal broadband services and equipment for eligible schools and libraries.
E-Rate funds the following service types: Data Transmission Services and/or Internet Access, Internal Connections, Managed Internal Broadband Services, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections.
Discounts range from 20-90 percent of the costs of eligible services, depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status at the school district level.
Definition of a School
Definition of a Library
The first category of supported services, Category One, includes the services needed to support broadband connectivity to schools and libraries.
Outside Connectivity which keeps your school or library connected to the Internet.
The second category of equipment and services eligible for E-Rate support, Category Two, includes the internal connections needed for broadband connectivity within schools and libraries.
Inside Connectivity which provides internet connections inside the school or library.
Data transmission and/or Internet access services are eligible in Category One. These services include:
Eligible Broadband Internal Connections
February 28, 2024
February 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET is the deadline for applicants to submit and certify an FCC Form 470 within the funding year (FY) 2024 FCC Form 471 application filing window, which ends on March 27. FCC Forms 470 must be posted for at least 28 days before an FCC Form 471 can be filed.
March 27, 2024
The funding year (FY) 2024 FCC Form 471 application filing window closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 27, 2024.
Now is the time to prepare your school to support the online education trends of tomorrow. To learn more about how IHS can help you navigate the process and provide the solutions to ensure your students have equal access to technology contact us.