E-Rate Information for Public Libraries
E-Rate, otherwise known as Universal Service Rate Discounts for Schools and Libraries, came into existence with the passing of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. An expansion of the existing Universal Phone Service, E-Rate is intended to provide schools and libraries with affordable access to advanced telecommunications in the form of service discounts. Telecommunication Services, Internet Access and Internal Connections are all subject to E-Rate discounts. Computers, software and other unrelated services, however, do not qualify for service cost reductions under this program. E-Rate is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), under FCC direction. For more information, please visit the Schools & Library Division of USAC. Applying for E-Rate discounts can often be a complicated process, one of the first things you may want to do is review step by step directions on how to apply. To learn about how CIPA (the Children's Internet Protection Act) affects the E-Rate application process, please refer to our CIPA resource page.
E-rate Modernization
In July 2013 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began a review process of the E-rate program. Based on findings from these proceedings, two E-rate Modernization Orders were release in July and December 2014 that will have a major impact on the program.
- Summary of the E-Rate Modernization Order—FCC summary of the July 11, 2014 Order
- Summary of the Second E-Rate Modernization Order—FCC summary of the December 11, 2014 Order
- A Summary of Major Changes to the E-rate Program From the July 11 Report and Order —ALA summary of the July 11, 2014 Order
- A Summary of Major Changes to the E-rate Program from the December 11 FCC Report and Order —ALA summary of the December 11, 2014 Order
- E-rate Productivity Center (EPC)—Latest information from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) regarding implementation and rule changes brought about by the Modernization Orders.
Helpful Tools
Urban/Rural Status Tools
- Search Urban/Rural Status—Determine the individual and aggregate urban vs. rural status of your library
- Urban/Rural Reports by State—Excel reports for each state or territory prepared by USAC
- SPIN Contact Search—USAC search page for looking up Service Provider information, including SPIN numbers, names, etc.
- Student Lunch Program Eligibility Numbers—Determine National School Lunch Program participation for the School District in which your library is located. For more information on the School Lunch Program visit the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
E-Rate Resources USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company)
- USAC Home page—USAC, under FCC direction, administers the Universal Service Fund (the source of E-Rate discounts)
- USAC Schools & Libraries Program—E-Rate discounts are provided under the framework of the Schools and Libraries Program
- CIPA and E-Rate form 486—FAQ covering CIPA compliance in the E-Rate application process
- Schools & Libraries Reference Area—links to funding reports, forms, instructions, etc., organized alphabetically by topic
E-Rate Application Forms
- SL Forms—USAC's table of links to all E-Rate Application and Service Provider Forms and Instructions, available in multiple formats
- Form 470—Description of Services Requested
- Form 470 Instructions
- Form 471—Services Ordered and Certification
- Form 471 Instructions
- Form 479 —Certification of CIPA
- Form 479 Instructions
- Form 486—Receipt of services ordered confirmation form
- Form 486 —Receipt of services ordered confirmation form
- Form 486 Instructions
FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
- FCC: Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries—Q&A page answering five FAQs
- FCC E-Rate page—information page, with links to recent news, Universal Service Fund updates, related educational sites, etc.
- Register for a FCC Registration Number—The FCC Registration Number (FCC RN) is a required identifying number assigned to E-rate Program participants by the FCC.
- Universal Service for Schools and Library—FCC page with links to fact sheets, press releases, appeal and waiver decisions, etc.
Contact
Cody Hanson
(360) 480 - 0315
We encourage your feedback. If you have comments or suggestions, please use our feedback form.
Funded in part by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).