How It Works

The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) program provides funding towards eligible services for schools and libraries.

Eligible Applicants

Public or private schools (K-12), libraries, and groups of schools and libraries (e.g., consortia, districts, systems) can apply for discounts on eligible services. See the full list.

Eligible Services

Internet access, telecommunications services, and related equipment are eligible for discounts. See the full list.

The Process

These steps will help applicants navigate the process to get funding. For service providers, please follow these steps.

1

Competitive Bidding

2

Selecting a Service Provider

3

Applying for Discounts

4

Application Review

5

Starting Services

6

Pay for discounted services
— or —
Pay for services and invoice USAC for reimbursement

Get Started or sign in to EPC.

Announcements

Requesting Service Delivery Deadline Extensions for FY2024 Non-Recurring Services (Other Than Special Construction)

The deadline for delivery and installation of non-recurring services (e.g., installations, equipment) is September 30 following the close of the funding year. For FY2024, the deadline for non-recurring services, other than special construction, is Tuesday, September 30, 2025 (the deadline for FY2024 special construction requests was June...

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Fall Training: Pre-Commitment Process September 25, 2025 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

This webinar will discuss the E-Rate Pre-Commitment process. This includes how to get started, competitive bidding, applying...

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Fall Training: E-Rate Program Overview September 18, 2025 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern...

This webinar will provide an overview of the E-Rate application process and explain basic program concepts. We...

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Summer Deferral Period Ends September 5

Our summer deferral contact period is defined as the Friday before Memorial Day through the Friday after...

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Open Data Webinar Part 2: Creating Reports and Visualizations

This follow-up webinar to the Open Data Overview (Webinar 1) dives more deeply into using E-Rate's tools....

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