E-Rate
E-Rate
E-Rate is a Schools and libraries Universal Service Support system that provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access.
There are four service categories that USAC funds:
- Telecommunications Services
- Internet Access
- Internal Connections (Other than Basic Maintenance)
- Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections
E-Rate is based on districts Free & Reduced Lunch Program
Discounts can range anywhere from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services, depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of te population served. This is based on the Free and Reduced Lunch program. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium.
The E-Rate program supports connectivity, the conduit for communications using telecommunications services and/or the Internet. The school or library is responsible for providing additional resources such as the end-user equipment (computers, telephones, etc.), software, professional development, and the other elements that are necessary to realize the objectives of that connectivity.
Steps to follow in order to file for E-Rate Funds
There is a process that the schools and libraries must follow to apply for and receive E-Rate discounts. Each of the steps in this process starts with:
- Prepare a technology plan, must submit to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) before you apply for E-Rate
- Make sure that the services and equipment is on the 2012 Eligible List
- Opening the cometitive process (Form 470)
- Seeking discounted services (Form 471)
- Confirming the receipt of services (Form 486)
- Invoicing for services (Forms 472 and/or Form 474)
The forms and instructions are located to the right of this page or you can find them at http://www.universalservice.org/sl/. Use these forms to create a draft or submit by mail. USAC is set up to "apply" and "certify" on line. This is a great way to submit your forms. But don't forget to print copies for your records.
