E-Rate

In 1996, the Telecommunications Act promised "universal access" to schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was asked to work out the details and produced a report in May, 1997.

Here are some of the details:

• All public and private schools (pretty much) will be eligible for discounts.
• Discounts will be greater for schools with a higher proportion of disadvantaged students.
• Disadvantaged students are defined as students in federal free and reduced-price lunch programs. Rural schools will also receive slightly higher discounts because their telecommunications costs tend to be higher.
• The discount will be applied to hardware and services "essential to the transmission of information"
  • installation and continuation of telecommunication services
  • wiring
  • Internet access
  • dial-up and leased line charges
  • hardware required to make connections
    • routers, hubs, computers used as servers, wireless LANs
  • telephone connections are included.
• The National Exchange Carrier Association will be in charge of administering the discounts and will be the point of contact. Application must include:
  • school technology plan
  • proof that school can pay for remaining portion of bills
  • certification of the information that has been provided by the state or other agency approved by FCC
• Discounts will range from 20% to 90%
  • schools receiving the lowest reduction (20%) have <1% students eligible for reduced price lunches
  • 50% reduction available to schools with 20-34% of students eligible for reduced price lunches
  • 90% reduction in schools with more than 75% of students eligible for reduced price lunches

On-Line Resources for More Information

1) FCC Information

The section of the Communications Act that directs the FCC to make sure that schools and libraries are connected to the information highway.

2) U.S. Department of Education

Information on the Digital Divide

E-Rate Details

No Child Left Behind - Enhancing Learning Through Technology