The E-Rate program provides discounts on telecommunication services and internet access to schools and libraries. It was established by Congress in 1996 to help schools and libraries obtain affordable internet access. Discounts range from 20-90% depending on the location and percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch programs. Schools develop technology plans and apply for funding, which is then reimbursed from the Universal Service Fund paid into by telecommunications providers. Sallisaw Public School's technology plan focuses on integrating technology to support learning goals and promote equal access.

1. Schools & Libraries
Program of the Universal
Service Fund
“E-Rate”
Mr. Casey Eubanks
Current as of (CAO) 4 Sep 2011

2. Overview
► Background
► Benefits Available for Schools & Libraries
► How does it work?
► Who pays the bills?
► Sallisaw Public School’s Technology Plan
► Important Links

3. Background
► Mandated by Congress in 1996
 Through the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC)
 Uses the federal Universal Service Fund (USF)
► Makes telecommunications & information
services more affordable
 Such as internet access, and internal
connections

4. Benefits Available for Schools &
Libraries
► Schools may receive discounts on internet
access and internal connection
 Network wiring
► Discounts range from 20 – 90 percent
 Based on household income levels of students
 Location of schools in is a rural or urban area

5. E-Rate Discount Table
Income
Measured by % of Urban Location Discount Rural Location Discount
students eligible for the
National School Lunch
Program
Less than 1% 20% 25%
1% to 19% 40% 50%
20% to 34% 50% 60%
35% to 49% 60% 70%
50% to 74% 80% 80%
Sallisaw Public School
falls under this rate
75% to 100% 90% 90%
Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting, LLC (2011), E-Rate Primer, www.kelloggllc.com

6. How does it work?
► Technology Plan must be developed
► School receives bid, vendors provide services
► USAC approves application, vendor provides
service, reimbursed from the Universal service Fund
(USF)

7. Who pays the bills?
► Telecommunications Providers must contribute
to the federal USF
 Based on % Interstate/International revenues
► Consumers may see “Universal Service” on bill
 Providers may use consumers to recover USF
contributions

8. Sallisaw Public School’s Technology
Plan
► Goal 1
 Provide professional Development for the
effective use of technology
► Goal 2
 Promote strategies the integrate technology
effectively
► Goal 3
 Provide equal access to technology

9. Sallisaw Public School’s Technology
Plan
► Goal 4
 Install/maintain technology to support learning
goals
► Goal 5
 Purchase and provide access to software and
technologies
► Goal 6
 Increase the number of students who use
technology in the classroom

10. Sallisaw Public School’s Technology
Plan
► Goal 7
 Analyze/implement strategies to deliver rigorous
courses
► Goal 8
 Ensure use of technology to promote parental
involvement
► Goal 9
 Develop programs with adult literacy providers
to maximize use of technology

11. Sallisaw Public School’s Technology
Plan
► Goal 10
 Develop effective leadership support for
appropriate use of technology

12. Important Links
► www.sallisawps.org
► http://www.universalservice.org/sl/
► http://www.fcc.gov/guides/universal-service-pro

13. Overview
► Background
► Benefits Available for Schools & Libraries
► How does it work?
► Who pays the bills?
► Sallisaw Public School’s Technology Plan
► Important Links