E-Rate Program Overview

1. Leonila Pena • EDTC 6323-60 • Lab 1 E-Rate Program Overview Use the action buttons to navigate through this module.

2. Instructions This self-paced 5 minute module is intended for anyone interested in learning about the E-Rate Program. It provides an overview of what the E-Rate Program is, how it works, who is eligible, the eligible services, discount percentages, and how to get more information about the program. Use the ESC key on your keyboard to exit this module at any time.

3. What is E-Rate? E-Rate is the common term used for the Schools and Libraries Program. E-Rate provides discounts to eligible schools and libraries in the United States on their telecommunications, telecommunications services, Internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance of internal connections. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

4. Quick Review Instructions: Click on the hyperlink below that corresponds to the correct answer. Question: E-Rate is the common term used for which of the following? Answer: A. Universal Service Administrative Company B. Federal Communications Commission C. Schools and Libraries Program

5. How does E-Rate work? Schools and libraries can apply each year for discounts on the cost of telecommunications and other services. If funded, they can either receive discounted bills from their service provider or pay for the services in full and request reimbursement. The program is capped at $2.25 billion per program year, indexed to inflation each year.

6. Who is eligible for E-Rate? Schools and School Districts • All public schools, K-12 • All nonprofit K-12 private and parochial schools with endowments not exceeding $50 million Libraries and Library Consortia • All public libraries • Many private, not-for-profit libraries accessible to the public

7. Quick Review Instructions: Click on the hyperlink below that corresponds to the correct answer. Question: All public schools and all public libraries are eligible for E-Rate? Answer: TrueFalse

8. What services are eligible for funding? There are five categories of eligible services: • Telecommunications services (telephone service, cellular service) • Telecommunications (lit or dark fiber) • Internet access (basic conduit to the Internet) • Internal connections (routers, switches, servers, cabling) • Basic maintenance of internal connections (repair and upkeep of eligible hardware, wire, and cable maintenance) E-rate funds do not cover such things as desktop computers, learning software, or teacher/librarian training.

9. Quick Review Instructions: Click on the hyperlink below that corresponds to the correct answer. Question: Which of the following is not covered with E-Rate funds? Answer: A. Internet access B. Desktop computer C. Cellular service

10. How large are the discounts? Discounts range from 20 to 90 percent, depending on the level of poverty as measured by the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program or an equivalent measure of poverty, and the rural or urban location of the school or library. The higher the poverty level, the higher the discounts.

11. How can I get more information? Call the Client Service Bureau at (888) 203-8100 Visit the website at: www.usac.org/sl

12. Summary In this self-paced module you learned what the E-Rate Program is, how it works, who is eligible, the eligible services, discount percentages, and how to get more information about the program. You may press the ESC key on your keyboard to exit this module or you may click on the Home button below to go through the module again.