KETS Funding and Reporting

Federal Funding (E-rate)

Published: 6/17/2024 10:35 AM

The Universal Service program for schools and libraries, more commonly known as E-rate, is a federal initiative that provides discounts on telecommunications, Internet, and eligible internal connection technologies to elementary and secondary schools and public libraries across this country.

The E-rate discount program was authorized by Congress as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and signed into law by President Clinton in February 1996.

All public elementary and secondary schools, as well as most K-12 private and parochial schools, are eligible for discounts under the E-rate program. In addition, libraries that are independent of institutions of higher education are also eligible. Colleges, universities, and their affiliated libraries, are not eligible to participate in the program; nor are day care centers or after-school programs held off campus.

The discounts on services or products range between 20% and 90%, depending on the level of need among the students at a particular school or in the community. The level of need is measured using the levels of eligibility (not participation) for the national school lunch program, which provides free and reduced price lunches to low-income students. For libraries, the level of eligibility in the school district where the library is located determines the level of discount for the library.

On December 11, 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the second of two Orders aimed at modernizing the E-rate program. Together, the two Orders encompass the goals of ensuring affordable access to high-speed broadband, maximizing the cost-effectiveness of E-rate purchases, and making the E-rate program application process fast, simple, and efficient. Below are the links for both orders and a combined summary.

First FCC Erate Modernization Order (FCC-14-99A1).pdf

Second FCC Erate Modernization Order (FCC-14-189A1).pdf

E-rate Eligible Contracts (Network Product and Services)

E-rate Links:

There are some links below that provide information on common topics available from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) School and Libraries Division.

Eligible Services List provides guidance on eligibility of products and services;

SPIN Change- provides guidance on requesting a Service Provider Identification Number change;

State Replacement Contracts- provides guidance on listing a SRC on an E-rate application; and

Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program - Program Overview Table of Contents- is a records retention guide that lists key documents commonly requested during site visits and audits.

There is also more information available on the USAC site to assist applicants with E-rate process.

Current State Contract Matrix

Office of Education Technology

Division of School Technology Planning and Project Management

300 Sower Blvd., 4th Floor

Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 564-2020

Fax (502) 564-1519

KETS Planning and Project Management

Federal Funding (E-rate)

E-rate Eligible Contracts (Network Product and Services)

​E-rate Links:

E-rate Links: