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  2. E-Rate

E-Rate

Region 3 E-Rate services help guide schools through the E-rate process by reducing the burden while increasing success in obtaining services and products essential to the classroom.

We have been assisting schools successfully receive funding from the E-Rate (Schools & Libraries Universal Service Discount Mechanism) since the beginning of the program.  Region 3 ESC can assist your organization in all aspects of the E-Rate program from preparing your Request for Proposal to filing for reimbursement. Our mission is to make a positive difference.

 

E-Rate Application Services

The E-Rate program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The program was designed so that eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. The E-Rate program supports connectivity–the conduit or pipeline for communications using telecommunications services and/or the internet. Funding may be requested under two categories of service:


Category One services include data transmission services and internet access.
Category Two services include internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance of internal connections.


Discounts for support depend on the category of service requested, the level of poverty, and the urban/rural status of the school district. Discounts range from 20–90% of the costs of eligible services. The level of discount is based on the percentage of students eligible for participation in the National School Lunch Program or other federally approved alternative mechanisms.

Services Provided to Participating Districts/Campuses

  • Notification of submission deadlines and the preparation and submission of forms (including 470, 471, 472, 479, 486, and 500), service substitutions, and relevant program rule changes
  • Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) changes
  • Discount rate analysis and optimization
  • Assistance with Request for Proposals (RFP)
  • Review of monthly billings, invoices, and/or contracts for funding eligibility under the FCC rules and guidelines
  • E-rate application review support (all PIA and invoice reviews)
  • Provide on-site technical assistance and PD
  • Document Retention
  • Unlimited technical assistance via email, telephone, or virtual platform

Cost by District:
Category 1–$500 plus 20% of funded amount
(Max $2,500 of funded amount)
Category 2–4% of funded amount

     

Universal Service Administrative Co.

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Tony Pompa

School Business Specialist