|  |  | | E-Rate Program | | The E-rate Federal Telecommunications Discount Program provides discounts of 20-90 percent to eligible schools and public libraries on telecommunications and Internet access. The amount of discount depends on the eligibility of students in the school district for the National School Lunch Program (free and reduced price lunch).
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency responsible for the program. The FCC has created the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to operate the E-rate program on its behalf. The E-rate program is funded through fees collected on consumer bills from telecommunications providers. The division of USAC that administers the E-rate program is known as the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD).
School districts and public libraries access E-rate through an annual application process. There is a limited window of time for application and discounts are applied for one year in advance. The application window for telecommunications and Internet access discounts for the program year beginning July 1, 2012 opened on January 9, 2012 and will close on March 20, 2012.
There are a number of steps in the application process. For further information, visit the USAC Schools and Libraries web page. Customer service is also available at 1-888-203-8100. Mary Mehsikomer at TIES can also provide technical assistance with the application process. Contact Mary at (651) 999-6510 or via e-mail at mary.mehsikomer@ties.k12.mn.us.
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