If you work in a school or library, there’s a good chance that you are already taking advantage of E-Rate. E-Rate, or the Schools and Libraries Program, is a federally-mandated program to make IT and telecommunications services less expensive for schools and libraries. Since 1997, E-Rate has been connecting these institutions to discounted internet, intranet and telecommunications services.
How Does the E-Rate Program Benefit Schools and Libraries?
If you are deemed eligible, you can receive discounts on category one services:
- Telecommunications
- Telecommunications services
- Internet (T1, PRI, fiber and/or Ethernet)
You will also receive discounts on category two services:
- Internal IT connections
- Internal broadband services
- Maintenance
Depending on your surrounding community, the discount might range from 20-90%. Areas with higher poverty and less access to information technology typically receive a higher discount, but the program is never free.
How Do You Enroll in E-Rate?
Your school or library should first submit a request for competitive bids for the E-Rate services you are interested in to the USAC. Your request will be posted on their website for vendors to view. Next, the vendors will submit bids to you for the service or equipment that you need. You can choose your vendor(s) and then submit an E-Rate application to the USAC. This application should list all of the things you want to purchase and their associated costs. If you qualify for coverage with E-Rate, the USAC will issue you a funding commitment.
E-Rate from Teltek
Teltek is a registered E-Rate vendor (SPIN number 830717), and we enjoy working with schools and libraries to strengthen their infrastructure and better meet the needs of patrons and the community.