A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

What is the E-Rate?

The Education Rate (E-Rate) is the result of a regulatory decision made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 7, 1997. The FCC decision means that starting in 1998, schools and libraries will be eligible for up to $2.25 billion a year in discounts for a wide range of telecommunication services.

Who's Eligible?

• Individual schools, school districts, and consortia of them are eligible as follows:
• Public Schools. All K-12 elementary and secondary schools.
• Private Schools. Elementary and secondary schools are eligible as long as they are non-profit and with endowment not exceeding $50 million.
• Libraries are also eligible. This includes individual library branches, library facilities, library systems and library consortia.

What Services are Available?

• Internet Access
  
• Internal Connections--Bringing the Technology into the Learning Environment:
  Basic installation of networks necessary to bring information all the way into the school, the library, and classrooms.
  
• Telecommunication Services:
  Flexibility to choose among different types of commercially available telecommunications services for both voice and data. Examples include: regular telephone lines for teachers to receive phone calls in the classroom, pagers for security officials, high bandwidth telecommunication service for Internet access, and satellite services for distance learning.

What's not Covered?

• Computers for teachers and students, fax machines, modems, software, professional development, asbestos removal. Resale of discounted services is prohibited. The Department of Education has two programs that fund the acquisition of computers, software, and professional development. These grant programs are the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund and the Technology Innovation Challenge Grants.

How Much Money is Available in Discounts?

• Up to $2.25 billion per year will be available from the Universal Service Fund. Schools and libraries will not receive these funds directly, instead you will realize the savings in the form of discounts and service providers will be reimbursed for discounted services provided.

What are the Discounts and How Are they Determined?

• Discounts range from 20-90 percent based on economic disadvantage and geographic location.
  Economic need is determined by eligibility for the Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program.

How do we get Ready to Apply?
Although the Fund will not be available until January 1, 1998, there are several things you can begin to do to get ready:

• Develop a plan for technology in your school and library. Begin by checking with your State Education Agency or State Library Agency.
  
• Conduct a needs assessments--undertake an inventory of technology and capacity in your schools and libraries.
  
• Seek advice from experts and other communities that have experience in deploying technology for education.
  

Where Can I Learn More About the E-Rate?

• Call us at the U.S. Department of Education at (800) USA-LEARN, or visit our World Wide Web site at: www.ed.gov/Technology. You can also call the FCC at: (888)-Call-FCC or visit their World Wide Web site at: www.fcc.gov/learnnet.

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