E-rate Resource Center Frequently Asked Questions

What (and who) is E-rate?

E-rate is a US Federal Program for funding telecom and technology in K-12 schools and Libraries. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under direction by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Key components of the program include:

Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
- An independent, not-for-profit corporation that operates as the administrator of the federal Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF helps provide communities across the country with affordable telecommunications services.
Schools and Libraries Division (SLD)
- A division of USAC responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the E-rate Program
Universal Service Fund (USF)
- Currently all telecommunications companies that provide service between states, including long distance companies, local telephone companies, wireless telephone companies, paging companies, and payphone providers, are required to contribute to the federal Universal Service Fund. Carriers providing international services also must contribute to the Universal Service Fund.

Where do I go to apply for E-rate?

Xirrus provides a step-by-step guide to the E-rate funding process at http://erate.xirrus.com under the Start Here menu. The application process is described by USAC on their web site starting here: http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step01/default.aspx

Is my district or facility eligible for E-rate?

Typically, most K-12 educational facilities, consortia and libraries are eligible, but there are some requirements. A facility’s or district’s eligibility can be determined starting here: http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/beforeyoubegin/default.aspx

How do I determine my school's E-rate discount %?

The discount percentage is determined from a combination of the percentage of students in the school eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) and Urban/Rural status of the school. Urban/Rural status can be confirmed here: http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step04/urban-rural.aspx or here: https://sltools.universalservice.org/portal-external/urbanRuralLookup/. With those 2 items in hand, use the discount matrix to find your E-rate discount percentage: http://www.usac.org/_res/documents/sl/pdf/samples/Discount-Matrix.pdf

What are the E-rate eligibility considerations for private schools and are there any eligibilty differences between them and public schools?

The considerations are the same. If the private school does not have a reduced lunch program, then a household survey to determine eligibility % may be used. Information can be found here: http://www.usac.org/sl/about/outreach/hats.aspx

Why should I consider Xirrus for my E-rate Wi-Fi purchase?

Xirrus offers a best-of-breed Wi-Fi solution optimized for schools and the challenges of 1:1 and BYOD. Our solutions are designed to adapt to changing technology requirements to enable a lifespan of 5 years (or more) to match the E-rate funding cycle. K-12 education is our #1 market. Xirrus solutions deliver:

Scalable Wi-Fi with APs supporting 2 to 16 radios to meet every need from offices to classrooms to auditoriums. Don’t keep adding more APs. Pick the right product you need and reduce the amount of equipment required.
Predictable Wi-Fi performance with Application Control that prioritizes learning applications over recreational wireless usage to ensure you get the most out of your wireless network.
Future-proof solutions that can grow and adapt to changing needs and deliver the best return on your investment. No other solutions in the market offer the flexibility and longevity of Xirrus.
Simple and fast deployment and ongoing network operation with cloud-based management and tools that reduce IT burden.

What if I have specific questions regarding the E-rate program?

For the most current E-rate information, visit the SLD website or contact Xirrus to speak with an E-rate specialist at 800.947.7871 (Toll Free US) or erate@xirrus.com.

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