SETDA Says

SEPTEMBER 16, 2020

SETDA and CoSN commend the Wireline Bureau for opening an emergency E-rate filing window to help schools address their higher than expected on campus bandwidth demands. E-Rate Equity of Access FCC In the News Policy StatementThe Bureau’s decision will help schools support their students during a very challenging period and we appreciate the agency’s swift recognition of this on campus digital learning need. […].

E-rate 44

E-rate Digital Learning Equity of Access Learning 44

Doug Levin

FEBRUARY 6, 2017

On February 3, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rescinded a report issued two weeks earlier that examined the progress of E‐rate since the modernization orders of 2014 were passed. To that end, and in the public interest, I am making the January 2017 E-rate Modernization Progress Report ( DOC-343099A1.pdf ) available on this site in its entirety. Blog Broadband Policy Research Insights ALA E-rate FCC

E-rate 188

E-rate Report Libraries Broadband 188

Doug Levin

FEBRUARY 8, 2017

Under New Leadership, FCC Quashes Report on E-rate Program’s Success.” Blog News Policy Ajit Pai E-rate FCCAs quoted in: Herold, Benjamin. Education Week. 8 February 2017. It’s common for a federal agency to switch policy directions after a change in leadership, especially following a presidential election, said Douglas A. Levin, a consultant with EdTech Strategies and the former head of the State Educational Technology Directors Association.

E-rate 174

E-rate Report EdTech Data 174

eSchool News

OCTOBER 26, 2018

Calling all E-rate coordinators–there is one important step you can take now to ensure a smooth process when the E-rate filing window opens in 2019.

E-rate 78

E-rate Libraries Data 78

edWeb.net

NOVEMBER 13, 2019

During a recent edWebinar , edtech experts provided an overview of the E-Rate program, state matching funds, and ways to obtain grants for technological development. Accessing the E-Rate and Matching State Funds. Investment in these areas and a strategy for obtaining E-Rate discounts should be part of every district’s five- or ten-year technology plan, so that schools can continue to have reliable service that accommodates changing needs.

E-rate 52

E-rate Broadband EdTech Advocacy 52

techlearning

DECEMBER 4, 2019

On Monday, December 3, the FCC issued a Report and Order making significant changes to E-rate rules for Category 2* funding applications.

E-rate 53

E-rate Report System 53

Education Superhighway

MARCH 24, 2020

Despite the challenges ahead, we are here to provide connectivity and E-rate support during COVID-19. Here are a few ways the E-rate and broadband community is working to help connect your students during the crisis. The FCC took two steps to support schools in light of the COVID-19 pandemic: They extended the E-rate Form 471 deadline to April 29, 2020. State E-rate Coordinators Alliance (SECA).

E-rate 63

E-rate Broadband Future Ready Libraries 63

eSchool News

OCTOBER 31, 2017

What (and who) is E-rate? E-rate is a US Federal Program for funding telecom and technology in K-12 schools and Libraries. A division of USAC responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the E-rate Program. Where do I go to apply for E-rate? Riverbed Xirrus provides a step-by-step guide to the E-rate funding process at [link] under the Start Here menu. Is my district or facility eligible for E-rate?

E-rate 42

E-rate BYOD Company Survey 42

Digital Promise

DECEMBER 11, 2014

billion for the federal E-rate program that connects schools and libraries around the country. Digital Promise applauds the Federal Communications Commission's vote today to increase the funding cap by $1.5 Demand for these services far exceeds previous funding levels and approving this increase – which amounts to an additional $2 per year on Americans' phone bills – will help thousands of schools improve the opportunity to learn for students.

E-rate 176

E-rate Libraries Mobility Course 176

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 16, 2018

With concerns about school internet access buzzing in the wake of the FCC’s vote to repeal net neutrality, anxiety over school internet access might transfer to the federal E-rate program–but there’s no need to worry, according to E-rate experts. Schools should build that concern directly into their E-rate requests for proposals. Next page: Language in E-rate RFPs can help combat net neutrality’s impact.

E-rate 54

E-rate Accessibility Learning Classroom 54

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 1, 2017

It’s that time of year again–the federal E-rate program is getting underway, and with program updates and refreshes in recent years, you might need a primer on this year’s program. The E-rate program helps schools and libraries access high-speed internet and telecommunications at prices that won’t break the bank. At the end of 2014, the Federal Communications Commission voted to increase funding to the federal E-rate program by $1.5

E-rate 51

E-rate Broadband Training Company 51

eSchool News

AUGUST 9, 2017

A large majority of E-rate applicants (87 percent) said the federally funded program is vital to their internet connectivity goals, according to an annual survey that tracks program applicants’ perspectives on the program. According to initial feedback from Funds For Learning’s annual E-rate applicant survey, E-rate recipients continue to rely on E-rate funding to provide connectivity for schools and libraries across the nation.

E-rate 72

E-rate Accessibility Broadband Survey 72

techlearning

OCTOBER 25, 2019

An excerpt from COSN’s K12 Cybersecurity cost report, released in September, argues that E-rate funds should not only make the Internet accessible to all students, but also make it safe

E-rate 42

E-rate Report Accessibility 42

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 22, 2016

The FCC’s historic E-rate modernization in 2014 paved the way for districts to expand their high-speed broadband and wi-fi and increase digital learning opportunities for students. Working with Funds for Learning regarding E-rate processes, Dickerson and her team have updated the district’s phone system, implemented a student information system, improved financial payroll processes, and incorporated tools and resources that empower teaching and learning.

E-rate 84

E-rate Accessibility System Broadband 84

eSchool News

JANUARY 23, 2018

The E-rate program was developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its subsidiary, the Universal Services Administrative Committee (USAC), to provide federal funding to K-12 schools and public libraries across the country. E-rate gives schools access to necessary technology they otherwise may not be able to afford. In fact, 87 percent of E-rate applicants report that this funding is vital to meeting their connectivity goals.

E-rate 64

E-rate Libraries Accessibility Data 64

EdTech Magazine

JUNE 24, 2019

E-Rate Improvements Support Easier and Faster IT Upgrades. With support from the Universal Service Schools and Libraries Program, commonly known as E-rate , TCSD was able to upgrade the entire district in two years — and with an 85 percent equipment discount. “We We couldn’t have the bandwidth that we currently provide to students without E-rate,” says Daryl Shelton , information systems director for the California district. “It How E-Rate 2.0

E-rate 110

E-rate Broadband Chromebook Libraries 110

Digital Promise

JANUARY 13, 2015

One of those programs is the Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries, better known as E-rate. E-rate helps schools and libraries get affordable Internet access by discounting the cost of service based on the school’s location – urban or rural – and the percentage of low-income students served. Meanwhile, Riverside used their $9 million E-rate subsidy to purchase mobile learning devices equipped with 4G data connectivity.

E-rate 160

E-rate Broadband Libraries Tablets 160

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 1, 2017

A large majority of E-rate applicants (87 percent) said the federally funded program is vital to their internet connectivity goals, according to an annual survey that tracks program applicants’ perspectives on the program. According to initial feedback from Funds For Learning’s annual E-rate applicant survey, E-rate recipients continue to rely on E-rate funding to provide connectivity for schools and libraries across the nation.

E-rate 47

E-rate Survey Libraries Broadband 47

Gaggle Speaks

APRIL 6, 2015

What Good is E-Rate Modernization if Schools Can’t Pay for What’s Connected to Broadband? The dust is starting to settle from the recent changes to the federal E-Rate program. Bandwidth is valuable, but bandwidth without safe communication and collaboration tools—which accounted for less than 5% of E-Rate funds—drastically diminishes the value of increased connection speeds.

E-rate 70

E-rate Broadband Tools Libraries 70

EdTech Magazine

APRIL 3, 2019

CoSN 2019: Complexity and Logistics Remain E-Rate Challenges. The E-rate program can be a challenge for K–12 districts to navigate, even as it allows many schools to achieve technology initiatives that otherwise might not be possible. As the Federal Communications Commission considers recommended changes to the E-rate program, Eric Chambers of the Northwest Council for Computer Education says that one potential change may be increased funding for small districts.

E-rate 105

E-rate Data Strategy Video 105

eSchool News

MARCH 30, 2015

With some districts and schools still struggling to meet bandwidth needs, keeping E-rate strong is more vital than ever. That’s why especially pleased when, recently, the Federal Communications Commission and the Universal Service and Administrative Company extended a crucial filing deadline related to the high-speed internet program in schools and libraries, commonly known as E-Rate.

E-rate 78

E-rate Libraries Policies Company 78

EdTech Magazine

OCTOBER 2, 2017

By EdTech Staff Once schools receive E-rate funding, innovating learning can develop. Access Points Classroom Digital Content Funding Management Networking Personalized Learning

E-rate 122

E-rate EdTech Digital Learning Learning 122

EdTech Magazine

OCTOBER 17, 2017

By EdTech Staff By creating a plan, K–12 IT administrators can make the most of the federal funds. Access Points Funding Management Networking Wi-Fi

E-rate 120

E-rate EdTech Accessibility 120

EdTech Magazine

JULY 16, 2019

E–Rate Updates Free Up Resources for New Classroom Technology Projects. Recent updates to E-rate, which put more focus on funding high-speed internet and network protection tools , have helped K–12 schools reallocate resources to improve other focus areas. . When E-rate 2.0 MORE FROM EDTECH: Check out everything you need to know about E-rate. E-Rate Opens Local Resources for Other K–12 Projects.

E-rate 125

E-rate Laptops Robotics Resources 125

eSchool News

OCTOBER 31, 2017

It’s that time of year again–the federal E-rate program is getting underway, and with program updates and refreshes in recent years, you might need a primer on this year’s program. The E-rate program helps schools and libraries access high-speed internet and telecommunications at prices that won’t break the bank. At the end of 2014, the Federal Communications Commission voted to increase funding to the federal E-rate program by $1.5

E-rate 40

E-rate Libraries Broadband Accessibility 40

EdTech Magazine

FEBRUARY 6, 2019

TCEA 2019: 5 Ways to Improve Your E-Rate Process. As the Federal Communications Commission weighs potential changes to the E-rate program, consultant Deborah Sovereign shared some of her predictions about its likely course of action at the Texas Computer Education Association Convention & Exposition in San Antonio on Tuesday. . Sovereign and Martinez presented several best practices that can guide districts to E-rate success.

E-rate 102

E-rate EdTech Twitter Outcomes 102

eSchool News

OCTOBER 26, 2015

Common Sense, SETDA unveil toolkit to help states, schools apply for billions in federal aid under the E-rate program modernization. A new E-rate funding toolkit from Common Sense and SETDA explains the changes to the federal program, available funding, and best ways to apply for it. school and library to high-speed internet by helping states and school districts access billions of dollars in the newly modernized federal E-rate program.

E-rate 70

E-rate Broadband Libraries Advocacy 70

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 22, 2019

The ninth annual E-Rate Trends Report from Funds For Learning shows that the federal E-rate program is still critical in establishing broadband connectivity for schools and libraries. The 2014 E-rate update will expire in 2020, and stakeholders are urged to advocate for the program in order to ensure it can continue to serve schools and libraries and help close connectivity gaps. Related content: 5 school and library applicants weigh in on E-rate.

E-rate 52

E-rate Mobile Learning Mobility Broadband 52

EdTech Magazine

JANUARY 16, 2019

E-Rate Funding Will Continue During Government Shutdown. The E-rate program will continue to run as scheduled regardless of whether parts or all of the Federal Communications Commission are shut down, Funds For Learning reports. . On January 3rd, the FCC suspended operations as part of a partial government shutdown , however officials say schools applying for E-rate funds should continue to follow the application process.

E-rate 90

E-rate Report EdTech Twitter 90

techlearning

APRIL 8, 2019

“As the FY2019 E-rate application period closes, initial results show vibrant activity among schools and libraries seeking support,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning

E-rate 40

E-rate Libraries Learning 40

Education Superhighway

NOVEMBER 12, 2018

Each E-rate cycle, we receive questions from E-rate Consultants about navigating the latest USAC rule changes and best practices for Form 470/RFP filings. In this post, Mighty River Chief Operating Officer Joe Freddoso and our team at EducationSuperHighway break down five key elements of Special Construction RFPs that can help you maximize the likelihood of receiving quality bids and getting your projects approved during E-rate PIA review : 1.

E-rate 59

E-rate Accessibility Resources Tools 59

techlearning

OCTOBER 27, 2016

Funds For Learning has released its 2016 E-Rate Trends Report. Notable findings include: Techlearning Resources

E-rate 44

E-rate Trends Report Learning 44

techlearning

MARCH 12, 2018

My E-rate Guides? brings monthly online learning events, a community Q&A forum, an on-demand archive and hourly consulting opportunities to applicants as they navigate the federal E-rate funding program. Based on a monthly or annual subscription model, My E-rate Guides? is a professional service providing E-rate applicants with access to expert information. News E-rate Ed Tech Ticker Funding Policy

E-rate 40

E-rate Accessibility Online Learning Resources 40

EdTech Magazine

JUNE 8, 2015

By EdTech Staff Recent changes to E-Rate help to speed your school’s review process. Classroom Digital Content Funding Internet Management Mobile Broadband Mobility Wi-Fi

E-rate 105

E-rate EdTech Broadband Mobility 105

eSchool News

AUGUST 18, 2015

With E-rate reformed, educators must consider new learning-centered questions. E-rate, officially known as the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, was created to provide schools and libraries with an affordable way to obtain telecommunications, internet access and internet-related services. In the beginning, E-rate focused principally on telephone service, which was the most basic and universal way individuals communicated 20 years ago.

E-rate 81

E-rate Outcomes Libraries Mobility 81