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E-Rate Proposals

USAC LogoThe Educational Rate (E-Rate) Program was instituted under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which expanded the traditional goal of universal service to include increased access to both high-speed Internet and telecommunication services. The Schools and Libraries Program (commonly referred to as E-rate) is one of four FCC universal service programs administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The goal of making high-speed Internet and telecommunication services affordable for eligible schools is achieved by providing discounts based on need and the category of service.
 
Funding for the nationwide program is capped at $2,270,250,000 annually and provides discounts of 20 percent to 90 percent of the cost of services, depending on the socio-economic factors of the population served. The program guarantee discounts on Priority 1 services, and then allocates remaining funds for Priority 2 services to the neediest school districts.
 
To learn more about the history of E-rate and other universal service programs visit the FCC website or the USAC website.