E-Rate Universal Service Program

The E-Rate program is run by the Federal Communications Commission and funded by the Universal Service Fund. Eligible schools and libraries may receive discounts on telecommunications, telecommunications services, and internet access, as well as internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance of internal connections. Discounts, ranging from 20 to 90 percent, are based on the level of family participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Eligible school districts submit a request for competitive bids to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) for eligible services / materials. USAC then posts these requests on its website for vendors to bid on. After reviewing the vendors' bids, the most cost-effective eligible products and services are selected. The next step is to apply for approval to USAC for the desired purchases.USAC then issues funding commitments. For additional information on the program, please visit E-Rate: Universal Service Program for Schools & Libraries.