UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND - SCHOOLS and LIBRARIES

Objective

The schools and libraries universal service support program, commonly known as the E-Rate program, helps eligible schools and libraries, and consortia (comprised of eligible schools and libraries) to obtain affordable broadband services, internal connections, and maintenance of internal connections. The E-Rate program was authorized by Congress as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the Telecommunications Act), and created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) in 1997 to, among other things, enhance, to the extent technically feasible and economically reasonable, access to advanced telecommunications and information services for all public and nonprofit elementary and secondary schools and libraries.

Who Can Apply

• Other
• Local

Schools must meet the statutory definition of elementary and secondary schools as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 7801(18) and 20 U.S.C. § 7801(38). Libraries must meet the statutory definition of library or library consortium found in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) under 20 U.S.C. § 9122, and must be eligible for assistance from a state library administrative agency under that Act. In 2021, the Commission modified its definition of library to include Tribal libraries, clarifying that Tribal libraries are eligible for E-Rate support. Schools and libraries may not operate as for-profit businesses. Schools with endowments exceeding $50,000,000 are also not eligible.

Who Benefits

• Local
• Other public institution/organization

Elementary and secondary public and private schools; public, academic, research, and private libraries; consortia of eligible schools and libraries.

Assistance Types

• Direct Payment for Specified Use

Program Contact

johnnay.schrieber@fcc.gov
2024187400