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E-rate Application Process"The E-rate – or, more precisely, the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism – provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. Four service categories are funded: Telecommunications Services, Internet Access, Internal Connections Other than Basic Maintenance, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections. Discounts range from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services, depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium. The E-rate is one of four support mechanisms funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international telecommunications services. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers the Universal Service Fund at the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); USAC’s Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) administers the E-rate.""The E-rate supports connectivity – the conduit or pipeline for communications using telecommunications services and/or the Internet. The school or library is responsible for providing additional resources such as the end-user equipment (computers, telephones, and the like), software, professional development, and the other elements that are necessary to realize the objectives of that connectivity." "[S]teps in this process — preparing a technology plan, opening the competitive process (Form 470), seeking discounts on eligible services (Form 471), confirming the receipt of services (Form 486), and invoicing for services (Forms 472 and 474)..." (USAC/SLD Web Site: E-rate Discounts for Schools and Libraries)
USAC/SLD PowerPoints and Documents:
Additional West Virginia Documents:
Also see: Appeals | Corrections/Changes | Form 500 | Form 471 Instructions in PDF
Additional Related References:
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