On Tuesday, December 3rd, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its highly awaited rule changes regarding E-rate Category Two (Internal Connections) funding. The order permanently established the five-year Category 2 budget system for all schools and libraries starting Funding Year 2021 (FY2021). The order also made Funding Year 2020 (FY2020) a bridge year by extending the current cycle a sixth
Read more →E-rate Filing Window Closed: 5 Tips for Getting Through PIA Review Season Congratulations to all applicants who filed for E-rate funding support during the e-rate filling window! Most of you are now anxiously waiting for questions from a Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) reviewer on the applications submitted. This can be a hectic time as organizations try to stay on top
Read more →WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR E-RATE FUNDING? For an entity to be eligible for an E-rate funding discount, it must meet the program’s definition of a school or library. School E-rate Funding Eligibility: A school must meet the statutory definition of elementary and secondary schools found in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. Section 7801(18) and (38)).
Read more →Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Applicants must certify compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) to be eligible for Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program discounts on: Category One Services – Internet access All Category Two services – internal connections, managed internal broadband services, and basic maintenance of internal connections CIPA Compliance is NOT required on other Telecommunications Services such
Read more →What is E-rate Discount Program? The Schools and Libraries E-rate discount Program provides discounts to assist eligible schools and libraries to obtain affordable internet access and telecommunications services. The E-rate Program supports connectivity, which is the conduit or pipeline for communications using telecommunications services or the internet. E-rate funds the following service types: Data Transmission Services and/or Internet Access, Internal
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