E-rate program – Discounted Telecomunications Services for Schools and Libraries

 

Non-profit private schools — along with public schools and libraries — can receive discounted telecommunications services through the E-rate program.

 

The E-rate program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The program was set up in 1997 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Universal Service Order implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Order was designed to ensure that all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. Up to $2.25 billion annually is available to provide eligible schools and libraries with discounts under the E-rate program for authorized services.

 

Amount of Discounts

The E-rate provides discounts of 20 percent to 90 percent for eligible telecommunications services, depending on economic need and location (urban or rural). The level of discount is based on the percentage of students eligible for participation the National School Lunch Program or other federally approved alternative mechanisms.

 

Alternative Choice Wireless has experience as it pertains to the e-rate program. We have access to multiple telecommunications carriers who participate in the e-rate program throughout the country. This allows us to leverage the carriers against one another, and in turn allows your school, rural, hospital or library to achieve the most from your e-rate funding. We have worked with several e-rate participants in the past, and have succeeded in helping them double and triple their internet bandwidth from the prior year on very limited budgets.

 

Let Alternative Choice Wireless help your school, rural  hospital or library maximize your e-rate funding. Please complete the form below for no obligation information form or contact us at 863-324-2455 to discuss how to maximize your organization’s e-rate funding budget.