Understanding the E-Rate process [download primer]

The E-Rate process has begun, so we’ve created a quick guide to show you who can claim funds and what you can claim for.

Who’s covered?

All public and private Pre K-12 schools and public libraries. You receive discounts based on the number of students who are Free and Reduced Eligible. Schools don’t have to participate in the Lunch Program to be eligible and can use alternative methods to determine eligibility.

What’s included?

Category One (C-1) services

These are recurring services and include internet access, broadband Connections (WAN circuits), managed firewall (when bundled with internet access), and self-provisioned internet.

Category Two (C-2) services

These include purchasing networking equipment and services, and management of networking equipment. A partial list of eligible items for purchase are as follows;

• Access Points
• Switches
• Routers
• Controllers
• UPS
• Racking
• Caching servers
• Firewall
• Installation and configuration of the above
• Licensing, maintenance, and management for the above

Paying for IT Services with E-Rate

Many schools don’t realize that service contracts can be covered by E-Rate for your school’s Network Management services. For example, if your school or school district uses an IT vendor to help support and manage the switches, wireless access points and controller, firewall, and overall network management functionality, that can potentially be covered by E-rate funding.

Other items that many applicants are unaware that they qualify for would include UPS and licensing of eligible services as Internal Connections.

How much do you get?

To see how much C-2 money you qualify for, multiply the number of students in your school by approximately $157 per student. This number is adjusted every year by inflation. You’re given this budgeted amount to spend however you like over a five-year period, and the budget resets at the end of the five years.