The E-rate program was initiated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The program uses a portion of the Universal Service Fund to provide discounted telecommunications services for schools and libraries for the purpose of connecting these schools and libraries to the Internet.

The E-rate is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and is being implemented by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the nonprofit Universal Service Administration.


Application Process
For general information about the application and commitment processes for the E-rate program year, click here.


Political Developments
To learn about the latest legislative and program developments, and to learn how you can help advocate for the E-rate so that the program can continue successfully, click here. You will enter the website of the Education and Library Networks Coalition (EdLiNC), a coalition based in Washington, DC, comprised of education and library organizations, who advocate with federal government agencies and departments for the E-rate.


Links to Other E-Rate Information
Schools and Libraries Corporation (SLC)

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