How does the E-rate program work?

Posted on by Muna Meyer

How does the E-rate program work?

The universal service Schools and Libraries Program, commonly known as “E-rate,” provides discounts of up to 90 percent to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access.

What is the FCC E-rate program?

With funding from the Universal Service Fund (fcc.gov/general/universal-service-fund), E-Rate provides discounts for telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries. …

What is covered by E-Rate?

This service type covers broadband connectivity and basic conduit access to the internet. These services cannot include charges for content, end-user devices or equipment purchases (other than those necessary for transmission of Category One services), or other services beyond basic conduit access to the internet.

Who is eligible for the E-rate program?

In general, elementary schools, secondary schools, private schools, and religious schools are all eligible to receive discounts as long as they have an endowment less than $50 million and are not-for-profit.

How do you apply Erates?

6 Steps for a Successful E-Rate Application

  1. Step 1: Open a Competitive Bid Process.
  2. Step 2: Honor the 28-Day Waiting Period.
  3. Step 3: Submit Signed Contracts and Form 471.
  4. Step 4: Be Responsive During the Application Review.
  5. Step 5: Receive the Funding Decision.
  6. Step 6: Invoice USAC.

How do I become a E-rate vendor?

How To Apply For E-Rate – E-Rate Application Process

  1. Get Access to EPC (E-Rate Productivity Center)
  2. Determine what Products and Services you Need.
  3. Establish your Vendor Selection Criteria.
  4. File your FCC Form 470.
  5. Review your Bids and Select Your Vendors.
  6. File your FCC Form 471.
  7. Review and Approval.

Why is E-rate important?

The Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program provides discounts to assist eligible schools and libraries to obtain affordable internet access and telecommunications services.

What is E-rate Category 1?

The first category of supported services, Category One, includes the services needed to support broadband connectivity to schools. The first category of supported services, Category One, includes the services needed to support broadband connectivity to schools and libraries. …

What is a 498 ID?

The applicant 498 ID is a unique number issued to each applicant by USAC to ensure that approved funds are directed to the correct applicant bank account. A billed entity may have more than one applicant 498 ID if that entity has more than one bank account it uses to receive BEAR payments.

What is a Form 498?

The FCC Form 498 is used to collect remittance, payment, and contact information for service providers. This information helps USAC determine whether service providers are eligible to receive program disbursements.

How do I become a erate vendor?

There is no pre-qualification or screening process required in order for companies to begin participating in the E-rate program. Officially, all a company needs to do is apply for a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) by submitting the FCC Form 498 — a process that is open to any company in the country.