E-Rate is the familiar term used to refer to the the Universal Service Program administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). This not-for-profit corporation was appointed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that the benefits of telecommunications services reach students and communities across the country.

What's New

[April 18, 2008]
Funding Year 2009 Form 470 is now available online. This is very good news for those of you who need to do lengthy procurements. Form 470 for the next funding year was typically made available on SLD site around July 1.

Resources

• Video Tutorials
  Brief Screencast Videos to guide you through the E-Rate process for telecommunications discounts.
• E-Rate Data, numbers you need for
  • Funding Year 2008, July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009
  • Funding Year 2007, July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008
• Helpful Links:
  • SLD Website -- primary source for updates, forms
  • E-Rate Central -- wealth of helpful info from NY Dept. of Education. Some highlights are
    • Chart/Spreadsheet to document the competitve bidding process
    • Checklists for each form to use before final submission
• Other Resources
  • SPIN Numbers
  • Forms -- to ensure you have the most recent version, apply online or download forms from the SLD website as needed
  • Technology Plans:
    Technology Plans must be up-to-date in order to be eligible for e-rate discounts beyond POTS (plain old telephone service). Technology Plans are also required by LORI Standards. TechPlan Guidelines created by the LORI Standards Committee is helpful for revising or starting a new plan.