The Schools and Libraries Program, also known as E-Rate, is a Universal Service Fund program designed to help public schools and libraries gain access to affordable telecommunication services and high-speed Internet access. Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), public school districts and libraries may apply annually for eligible services which they can procure through national or regional service providers at a discounted rate.

The annual process includes:
  • District applicant’s filing both FCC Form 470, which is a description of the services requested and opens the competitive bidding process and;
  • Form 471, which requests discounts on eligible services and equipment.

The FCC Form 470 must be filed at least 28 days before the close of the filing window for the funding year in which services are requested.