Frequently Asked Questions about E-Rate

The Schools and Libraries program, also called the "E-Rate program," makes telephone and Internet access service more affordable for schools and libraries in America. It is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a not-for-profit corporation overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 

Discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served and range from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium.

• All public libraries
• Many private, non-profit libraries that are accessible to the public
• All public schools, K-12
• All nonprofit K-12 private and parochial schools with endowments of under $50 million

Funding is requested under four categories of service:

• Telecommunications - Must be provided by a telecommunications carrier, that is, one who provides Telecommunications on a common carriage basis. 
       -basic local and long-distance telephone (also known as POTS, plain old telephone service) No Technology Plan is required and
        compliance with CIPA is not required.   
       - Advanced (e.g. Centrex, T-1, DSL)  A Technology Plan is required, but compliance with CIPA is not required.
• Internet access -  “basic conduit access” to the Internet, not purchases of equipment used in Internet Access. Service Providers for Internet Access need not be telecommunications carriers.
• Internal connections -  components located at the applicant site that are necessary to transport information to classrooms, publicly accessible rooms of a library, and to eligible administrative areas or buildings. Internal Connections include connections within, between or among instructional buildings that comprise a school campus or library branch, but do not include services that extend beyond the school campus or library branch.  Most Iowa libraries do not have discounts high enough to receive funding in this priority two category.
• Basic maintenance of internal connections - ensures the necessary and continued operation of eligible internal connection components at eligible locations
  

The Eligible Services List can be found in pdf format or a searchable interface.

Applying for e-rate funds is a very controlled process with strict rules and deadlines.  The Schools and Library Division outlines the process.   You can get support and assistance from your Library Service Area, the State Library, or Ken Davenport, ALA E-rate Task Force member and consultant with Northeast Iowa Library Service Area.

Follow procedures set up by the Schools and Libraries Division

The Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Web site is the most authoritative source of information and help for libraries in filing for E-Rate discounts. Check the site frequently for updated information.

You can get support and assistance from your local Library Service Area staff, Marie Harms at the State Library, statewide E-rate coordinator for libraries 800-248-4483 or Ken Davenport, ALA E-rate Task Force member 319-233-1200.

SLD Client Service Bureau Help line: 888-203-8100;  Fax: 888-276-8736
E-mail: Submit a Question
SLD Guidance documents (written instructions) 800-959-0733

For vendor information use the SLD Spin Search
Make use of the % wildcard since exact vendor spelling is required.

ICN Contact - Holly Johnson  515-725-4644

The State Library of Iowa has calculated discount rates for Iowa public libraries using the Iowa School data and School and Library Division's (SLD) formula.   The discount was calculated on the latest information available at the time of Form 471 filing.   Discounts are calculated using the percentage of students eligible for National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the urban or rural status of the county in which the school or library is located.   Find information about discount calculations and the discount chart for the current e-rate year on the State Library Web site. Click on the link below.