The NJ State Library’s (NJSL) E-rate page serves as a comprehensive resource for libraries and schools seeking federal discounts on telecommunications and internet services.
It outlines key information on the Universal Service Fund, details the application process—including necessary forms and timelines—and explains the range of eligible services, from internet access to internal connections.
The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) website is the most authoritative source of information and help for libraries in filing for E-Rate discounts. Check SLD frequently for updated information.
For the latest information on recent reforms to the federal e-rate program go to: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/goterate.
Information on the Universal Service Fund
Getting Started
- E-Rate: Getting Started
- E-Rate: Productivity Center
- E-Rate: Eligible Services List
- E-Rate: Glossary of Terms
- E-Rate: Weekly Schools and Libraries News Brief
Forms and Instructions
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
CIPA, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (PDF), is a federal law that requires you to filter your library computers and have an Internet Safety Policy in place.
Filtering Legislation
Further E-Rate Guidance on CIPA from E-Rate Central: As a result of this ruling, we expect CIPA E-rate guidance to be forthcoming from the SLD next week. Since the CIPA certifications in the Form 486 refer only generally to CIPA compliance – not specifically to filters and Internet safety policies – our early guess is that the FCC and SLD will conclude that no changes must be made to existing forms and filing deadlines. The FCC will only need to clarify that “CIPA compliance” for libraries does not include filtering.
Pending further instructions from the SLD, we would recommend the following:
Libraries, planning not to filter their Internet services, should temporarily delay filing Form 486s for FY 2002 funding. Since the earliest possible deadline for filing Form 486s is October 29, 2002, there is no reason to file until additional guidance is provided by the SLD. (06/03/02)
Background
Congress passed the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) as part of a major spending bill (H.R. 4577) on December 15, 2000. The President signed the bill into law on December 21, 2000 (Public Law 106-554). The Acts place restrictions on the use of funding that is available through the Library Services and Technology Act, Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and on the Universal Service discount program known as the E-rate. These restrictions take the form of requirements for Internet safety policies and technology which blocks or filters certain material from being accessed through the Internet. The law became effective on April 20, 2001.
— ALAWON, Vol 10 # 3, Jan, 23, 2001.
End Materials
Subtitle D–Expedited Review
SEC. 1741. EXPEDITED REVIEW.
(a) THREE-JUDGE DISTRICT COURT HEARING.–Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any civil action challenging the constitutionality, on its face, of this title or any amendment made by this title, or any provision thereof, shall be heard by a district court of 3 judges convened pursuant to the provisions of section 2284 of title 28, United States Code.
(b) APPELLATE REVIEW.–Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an interlocutory or finaI judgment, decree, or order of the court of 3 judges in an action under subsection (a) holding this title or an amendment made by this title, or any provision thereof, unconstitutional shall be reviewable as a matter of right by direct appeal to the Supreme Court. Any such appeal shall be filed not more than 20 days after entry of such judgment, decree, or order.
Neighborhood Internet Protection Act (NCIPA)
Subtitle C–Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection
SEC. 1731. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the “Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act”.
SEC. 1732. INTERNET SAFETY POLICY REQUIRED.
Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(I) INTERNET SAFETY POLICY REQUIREMENT FOR SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES.
(1) IN GENERAL.–In carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (h), each school or library to which subsection (h) applies shall —
(A) adopt and implement an Internet safety policy that addresses —
(i) access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web;
(ii) the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications;
(iii) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking’, and other unlawful activities by minors online;
(iv) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification infor mation regarding minors; and
(v) measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors; and
(B) provide reasonable public notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed Internet safety policy.
(2) LOCAL DETERMINATION OF CONTENT.–A determination regarding what matter is inappropriate for minors shall be made by the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authori ty responsible for making the determination. No agency or instrumentality of the United States Government may —
(A) establish criteria for making such determination;
(B) review the determination made by the certifying school, school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority; or
(C) consider the criteria employed by the certifying school, school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority in the administration of subsection (h)(1)(B).
(3) AVAILABILITY FOR REVIEW.–Each Internet safety policy adopted under this subsection shall be made available to the Commission, upon request of the Commission, by the school, school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority responsible for adopting such Internet safety policy for purposes of the review of such Internet safety policy by the Commission.
(4) EFFECTIVE DATE.–This subsection shall apply with respect to schools and libraries on or after the date that is 120 days after the date of the enactment of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
SEC. 1733. IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS.
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall prescribe regulations for purposes of section 254(l) of the Communications Act of 1934, as added by section 1732 of this Act.
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.
Information From Other States
- Wisconsin State Library/Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- New York State Library
- State Library of North Carolina
- Idaho Commission for Libraries
For more information
If you have any content questions, please e-mail:
Michael Maziekien
sharedservices@njstatelib.org
E-Rate Coordinator