E-rate

Created as part of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, E-rate subsidizes the cost of Telecommunications Services, Internet access and Internal Connections. While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the fund, the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) manages the day-to-day operations. The Federal E-rate program allows eligible Schools and Libraries to receive funding of 20-90% for new and existing network and telecommunications services. These discounts are based on the percentage of students eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program, and the degree to which they maybe considered urban vs. rural.

The AT&T family of companies has been participating in the E-rate program for schools and libraries since the program's inception in 1998, and can provide a complete range of telecommunications services — voice, data, networks, wireless, Internet, video and beyond. We're proud to bring our telecommunications expertise and knowledge of the E-rate program to your school or library, helping to ensure that all eligible K-12 schools and public libraries have affordable access to advanced telecommunications services.

We provide a host of E-rate-eligible services to assure your schools and libraries are connected; from local and long distance phone service to network design and integration, Web hosting, Internet access and eligible infrastructure components. That's one reliable provider for all your E-rate services and equipment.

This Web page explains how schools and libraries serviced by AT&T can apply for service discounts and links to other Web sites.

Any entities wishing to participate in the E-rate program should consult the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Web site for more information about the process, rules, and latest updates to the E-rate program.

• Process Flowchart
• Download Forms
• Apply Online
• Discount Matrix

SLD Contacts

SLD Phone (toll-free): 1-888-203-8100
Fax (toll-free): 1-888-276-8736
Submit a Question

General Timeline* for E-rate:

	Applicant develops Technology Plan
	Applicants posts Form 470 (RFP) on SLD Web site
28 days after Form 470 posting	Applicant can choose a vendor, and sign contract
Application Window (Generally November - early February.	Applicant files Form 471 application (including "Item 21 attachments, which explain to the SLD what their application represents)
As F471s are processed	SLD issues "RAL" letters to applicants & service providers
Early Spring	SLD begins review of applications
	SLD issues Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs)
Within 120 days of Funding Commitment Decision Letter	If applicable, Applicant files Form 486, certifying that services are either in & working, or plan to be in and working, Technology Plan has been certified, and applicant is CIPA compliant. (Allows SLD permission to pay vendor on their behalf)
July 1	Funding Year begins

View Timeline Calendar.

* Please refer to the SLD Web site for exact dates.