E-rate

*** FCC ANNOUNCES THIRD APPLICATION WINDOW AND NEW ROUND OF FUNDING COMMITMENTS THROUGH THE EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND***

Third Window to Support Schools and Libraries in Upcoming School Year in Ongoing Effort to Close the Homework Gap. FCC Release


The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) web site is the most authoritative source of information and help for libraries in filing for E-Rate discounts. Check the site frequently for updated information..

Information on the Universal Service Fund


Getting Started


Forms and Instructions


What Is CIPA?

CIPA, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, is a federal law that requires you to filter your library computers and have an Internet Safety Policy in place.

For more information visit our CIPA page.


For the latest information on recent reforms to the federal e-rate program go to: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/goterate.



Background on the Universal Service Fund

On May 7, 1997, the Federal Communications Commission voted to adopt the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which provides discounts for telecommunications services to schools, libraries, and rural hospitals  funded by the Universal Service Fund. The act was a major rewrite of federal telecommunications laws and has resulted in significant savings to libraries on a variety of telecommunications services. This program is popularly known as the “E-Rate”. Discounts are not automatic. Discounts range from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services, depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as a part of a consortium. In order to obtain discounts, libraries need to submit various forms to the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company.

There are five categories of services funded:

  • Telecommunications
  • Telecommunications Services
  • Internet Access
  • Internal Connections
  • Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections.

E-rate is a part of the Universal Service program, which is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). This not-for-profit corporation was appointed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that the benefits of telecommunications and Internet access services reach students and communities across the country.

Application Forms

The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) has been designated by the FCC as the agency to handle the FCC application forms needed to receive E-rate discounts. Libraries and consortia can file the forms electronically on the SLD web site. Form 470 is filed to let the SLD know that the library intends to apply for discounts, and to describe what services or products are needed. This information is posted to the SLD web site for a 28-day bid period. After the library signs a contract, Form 471 is filed to commit the discount money; and after service starts, Form 486 is filed for Receipt of Service Confirmation and Children’s Internet Protection Act Certification Form. Finally, Form 472 is filed to get reimbursement from vendors.

Federal Communication Commission sites

For FCC information about Universal Service Discounts:

  • Federal Communications Commission Offers in depth coverage of all legislation associated with the Universal Service/E-Rate discounts
  • E-Rate Central’s excellent summary of FCC decisions regarding E-Rate.
  • E-rate – Schools & Libraries USF Program A one-stop update each day for those monitoring the FCC’s Universal Service (E-Rate) decision-making process.


Comments to: Michael Maziekien, E-Rate Coordinator