E-Rate for Schools and Libraries

How can E-Rate help?

E-Rate is a special program that helps make phone and Internet services more affordable for primary schools, high schools and libraries throughout the country. Established in 1996 by the FCC, the program uses funds from the Universal Service Fund to help subsidize these services.

Also known as the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) School and Libraries Program, it supports connectivity through communications and Internet services. Funding can be requested under four categories of service:

  • Communications services
  • Internet access
  • Internal connections
  • Basic maintenance of internal connections

 Who Is Eligible for E-Rate?

K–12 Schools

  • Schools must provide elementary or secondary education as determined under state law
  • Schools may be public, private or charter, day or residential
  • Schools cannot have an endowment exceeding $50 million
  • Schools must operate as non-profit businesses

Libraries

  • Libraries must be eligible for assistance from a state library administrative agency
  • Libraries must have budgets completely separate from any school
  • Libraries must operate as non-profit businesses


    * FairPoint makes no guarantee of the E-Rate eligibility of its offerings. All eligibility determinations are made by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD). Schools and libraries are responsible for understanding and complying with all E-Rate program rules and for communicating with the SLD as necessary.