E-Rate
E-rate, or Education Rate, is a federal program providing discounts to assist most libraries and schools with obtaining affordable telecommunications and Internet access. It was enacted by Congress under the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Universal Service Administration to administer the program. Services eligible for E-rate discounts include telephone and cell phone service, data circuit connections, Internet access and internal connections. Discounts for Kentucky libraries range from 40% to 90%, with the average library receiving a discount of 80% on their bills. These discounts are calculated based on two factors: the percentage of students in the local school district eligible for the National School Lunch Program, and the urban or rural classification of the county served by the library. Kentucky libraries and schools have benefitted from more than $453 million in E-rate funding since the program began in 1998.
E-rate Statistics
Between 1998 and 2010, Kentucky libraries received over $6.7 million in E-rate discounts.
Public library E-rate Awards 2010
Funds Disbursed, 1998-2010, and Discount Rate, by Region - updated 12/19/2011
Questions & Checklists
Frequently asked questions
General E-rate checklist
Form 470 checklist
Form 471 checklist
Numbers & Codes needed for E-rate forms
All the codes and numbers needed to complete E-rate forms have been collected here.
Technology Plans
Libraries applying for E-rate funding for Priority 2 Services: Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance must have a certified Technology Plan on file at KDLA as specified by the FCC in the Sixth Report and Order (FCC 10-175). This plan must be approved by KDLA before the E-rate application process is complete.
Technology Plan template
Training
KDLA offers training on E-rate forms and other E-rate issues. Check the Continuing Education Calendar for training announcements.
Resources
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E-rate Central is an extremely helpful E-rate website run by the State of New York.
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Webjunction, a free online training resource for librarians, offers many helpful
archived webinars, including a few presented by experts from E-rate Central.
Information Updated: 4/17/2012