E-Rate History:
In 1934, Congress established a policy that "a rapid, efficient, nationwide, and worldwide wire and radio communication service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges" would be "available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United States." In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress expanded this principle to specifically include an obligation on telecommunications providers to make available discounted services to our nation's schools and libraries. This initiative became known as the E-Rate (or Education Rate) which is currently administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Visit their web site at: http://www.sl.universalservice.org/ to learn more about this initiative.
How E-Rate Funding Works:
The following entities are eligible for E-Rate discounts: elementary and secondary public schools, nonprofit elementary and secondary parochial and private schools (with endowments under $50 million), public libraries, and many private nonprofit libraries accessible to the public. Funding becomes available for these entities directly through a somewhat complicated application and funding allocation procedure and is paid directly to authorized vendors providing products or services.
How We Can Help:
Since year 1, ETI has been working with local school districts by designing, developing, applying for funds, and providing solutions funded under the E-Rate program. Through our efforts we have provided dozens of school districts with valuable upgrades to their technology infrastructure. We can do the same for your school! Our trained and certified staff is at your disposal to help plan, create, and implement a solution based on your district's technology needs. We have thousands of products and services which can be covered by E-Rate funds, and we will work with you to insure you receive the most funding available for your district.
How to get started:
Simply contact us online or offline and your account manager will walk you through the steps to take advantage of E-Rate funding per USAC Rules.