The Universal Service Fund for Schools and Libraries, popularly known as the 'E-rate,' provides all public and private schools and libraries access to telecommunications and advanced technologies at a discounted rate. Discounts are based on the number of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program. Schools not participating in the National School Lunch Program, should use the SLD Alternative Discount Mechanisms to compute their discount.

The E-rate provides discounts of 20% to 90% on the cost of telecommunications, Internet Access, and Internal Connections within school and library buildings. Schools and libraries in low-income urban communities and rural areas qualify for the highest discounts. In order to receive E-rate discounts, schools and libraries must competitively bid all eligible services on the SLD website and after a minimum of 28 days, select the most cost effective proposal. E-rate discounts are then requested by applying to the SLD and if discounts are approved, they are provided to schools and libraries via directly discounted bills, or a reimbursement process after services have been provided. The SLD publishes an annual Elibigle Services List for applicants.

Since 1998, Kansas's schools and libraries have received more than $88 million in E-rate discounts while all eligible schools and libraries nationwide have received more than $14.6 billion. For official E-rate guidance, visit the Universal Service Company’s Schools and Library Division (SLD) website at http://www.universalservice.org/sl/.

E-Rate Process
Once you receive your letter of commitment, the following process occurs:

Who administers the program?
The Universal Service Program 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 services reach students and communities across the country.

The TAKE office at the Kansas State Department is happy to assist you with any questions you may have or you may call the Client Service Bureau of the Schools and Library Division at 1-888-203-8100.