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E-Rate Program

    The E-Rate program was established in 1996 under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to provide discounts on telecommunications, internet access, and internal network connections for schools and libraries. In 2014 and 2019, the E-Rate program was modernized including adjusting the cap to account for inflation. E-Rate remains a critical program for ensuring access to technology in education, and recent changes reflect the evolving needs of schools, libraries, and students in a digital world.

    Recent activity and challenges include:

    • Expansion to Cybersecurity (Proposed 2024): The FCC has been considering allowing E-Rate funds to cover cybersecurity services and equipment due to increasing cyber threats against schools and libraries.

    • Wi-Fi on School Buses (Approved 2024): The FCC approved the use of E-Rate funds for Wi-Fi on school buses, recognizing the need for students to have internet access during long commutes.

    • Challenges to Wi-Fi Funding: This approval currently faces both a legal challenge brought by parents and Senator Cruz and introduced a Congressional Review which gives Congress a limited window to repeal rules implemented during the final months of a previous administration.

    • FCC Proposal to Increase Funding (January 2025): The FCC is considering raising the annual E-Rate funding cap to address increased demand for broadband expansion in underserved areas.

    • Supreme Court and Challenge to Funding (Ongoing, March 2025): Recently, the program's funding mechanism has faced legal challenges, culminating in the Supreme Court case FCC v. Consumers' Research, which could significantly impact the future of E-Rate. The Supreme Court consolidated the cases and scheduled oral arguments for March 26, 2025.

    Comments by ULC

    • ULC Submits Reply Comments to FCC on Allowing the Use of E-Rate Funds for Advanced or Next-Generation Firewalls and Other Network Security Services

      March 30, 2023
      ULC submitted reply comments to the FCC concerning the eligibility of cybersecurity features and functions for federal E-rate support. ULC urged the FCC to take short term action 1) to extend Category 2 funding to cover firewalls and cyber security needs of all libraries and schools 2) to make this change allowable for the July 1, 2024 funding year and 3) to provide an additional cap for the addition of these allowable expenses within the overall limit of the Universal Service Fund.

    • ULC Signs Petition Advocating for Use of E-rate Funds to Extend Home Internet Access

      January 26, 2021
      ULC joined the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition in petitioning the FCC to allow libraries and schools to extend E-rate funded networks in support of home internet access for students and their families - without cost allocation.

    • FCC Releases New E-Rate Order

      December 3, 2019
      The FCC announced an increased E-rate funding for urban libraries for just one year — 2020. Large library systems are now eligible for an increase to $6.52 per square foot cap.

      The FCC also announced they are making Category 2 funding permanent and starting a new five-year cycle in 2021. At the start of the new cycle, all libraries will receive up to $4.50 per square foot in funding.