E Rate is a program created by the FCC to help non-profit schools, including Head Start Programs in eligible states, Special Needs Schools, Charter Schools, as well as other public and private institutions access significant discounts or refunds on essential services to support broadband connectivity. These include:
Category 1: Services for Internet access and broadband connectivity.
Category 2: Internal connections, upgrades, and maintenance to support broadband connectivity.
Schools can qualify for discounts ranging from up to 90%, depending on the economic need or disabilities of their students. Head Start Programs automatically qualify at the top discount levels—90% for Internet access and 85% for network upgrades and maintenance. The E Rate program operates on a funding year from July 1 through June 30, with the application process beginning now and concluding by the end of March for the upcoming school year. To receive these benefits, Schools and Head Start Programs must apply annually to ensure they don’t miss out on the financial advantages available through the Federal E-Rate Program. E-Rate is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a not-for-profit organization under the direction of the FCC.
