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:
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
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
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
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
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:
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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