E-rate is a federally created program to provide discounts to assist most schools and libraries with obtaining affordable telecommunications and Internet access. It was enacted by Congress under the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Universal Service Administration as the mechanism for administering the program. Services eligible for E-rate discounts include telephone service, data circuit connections, Internet access and internal connections. Discounts, ranging from 20% to 90%, are based on an individual school's enrollment participation for the National School Lunch program. The discount percentage for a library is based on the weighted discount percentage for the school district in which the library is located.
NM Libraries Funded 2006
Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Website for Official E-rate Guidance
- Apply Online
- Calculating Your Discount
- Universal Services Discount Matrix
- Resources to Guide You Through the E-Rate Process - this takes you to the Reference Area with a multitude of topics
- Eligible Services List
Other Informational Resources for E-Rate
Free and Reduced Lunch Program Participation Data
New Mexico School District Free/Reduced Lunches Data
Technology Planning:
- New Mexico State Library Technology Planning Workbook
- New Mexico State Library Technology Plan Template
- Technology Planning - Step 2 (USAC Universal Service Administrative Company)
The Children's Internet Protection Act and information about Filtering:
Wisconsin has excellent documentation presented at: http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/cipafaq.html
Arizona has excellent documentation presented at: http://www.lib.az.us/erate/
From the Public Library Association: Meeting CIPA Requirements with Technology
E-Rate Central - CIPA Resources
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For more information or questions on E-Rate, contact:
Patricia Moore, Technology Consultant
Phone: 505-476-9724 or 800-340-3890
patricia.moore@state.nm.us
