E-rate knowledge protects school technology infrastructure

Key points:

When the Federal Communications Commission electronic rate The program first emerged in 1996, only 14 percent of the country's K-12 classrooms were connected to the Internet. Since then, the program has been transformed to help schools and libraries connect to high-speed broadband. Today, nearly three-quarters of K-12 school districts provide Internet bandwidth at a minimum speed of 1 megabit per second, according to the 2023 Report on School Connectivity.

Despite making significant technological advances over the past two decades, schools still rely on E-rate funding to update and protect their technology infrastructures. However, many districts find it difficult to engage in long-term planning without outside consultation or tools to help them evaluate their programs and stay abreast of the latest E-rate policy changes. Keeping up with feedback cycles and changing requirements can open up new opportunities for students and library patrons.

Bringing connectivity to school buses

After soliciting public input, the FCC has released new guidance for applicants who want to equip their school buses with Wi-Fi service. In December 2024, the E-rate Program Eligible Services List for the 2024 funding year was issued, which includes school bus Wi-Fi equipment and services eligible for Category One funding. USAC, the E-program administrator -rate, also provided specific guidance for the application process for this service.

Although E-rate has published a guide for Wi-Fi on school buses, consideration should still be given to including external access points in the program.

Hot spots remain a hot topic

The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) late last year to make off-campus Wi-Fi hotspot services eligible for E-rate program discounts. During the initial comment period, the Commission received more than 60 comments, showing mixed support to make Wi-Fi hotspot services eligible for E-rate discounts. While commenters agreed that students need access to off-campus Internet services, they disagreed on ways to meet that need. Some felt that E-rate laws should not include home internet connectivity. Others expressed concerns about the potential cost of adding hotspot service to the E-rate program.

Learning Funds estimates that adding hotspot services to E-rate would increase total demand for E-rate funds by 6.67 percent, or nearly $198 million; However, integrating hotspot support into the E-rate program would improve remote learning capabilities and support the FCC's commitment to educational equity. The increase would keep E-rate funding below the program's $4.456 million limit.

There is little time left to influence the cybersecurity of schools and libraries

In November 2023, the FCC proposed the creation of a Cybersecurity pilot program in schools and libraries—separate from the E-rate program—and sought comment on ways to fund enhanced cybersecurity and advanced firewall services for E-rate applicants. Under this proposal, interested schools and libraries would apply to participate in a pilot (or test) program to receive funding for advanced cybersecurity projects.

Throughout the comment period, the Commission received nearly 40 comments from individuals and organizations who agreed that the FCC should move forward with the pilot, citing the critical need for advanced cybersecurity protections in schools. However, commenters stated that they felt the three-year pilot should be shorter and that its proposed $200 million budget should be larger. They also suggested that the FCC refrain from limiting the types of products, services and technologies eligible for the program.

In comments Funds For Learning submitted to the FCC in January, we expressed support for a shorter pilot window. We also proposed a higher pilot budget of $312 million, based on the average cost per participant for robust cybersecurity outlined in our E-rate Cybersecurity Cost Estimation Report 2021 developed in conjunction with the Consortium for School Network (CoSN). We also encourage the FCC to empower applicants to use innovative, technologically enhanced solutions to protect their networks. Response comments for the Cybersecurity NPRM ended in February 2024.

Is your school or library prepared for the E-rate 2024 funding year?

Potential E-rate program applicants risk losing millions each year due to deficiencies in their E-rate processes and the need to understand FCC regulatory guidelines. With the E-rate submission deadline open until March 27, 2024, organizations should quickly assess their needs and complete eligible funding applications.

With the right data, school leaders can make informed decisions that maximize their budgets. New analysis and management tools can help service providers and school leaders manage their E-rate funds, meet critical application deadlines, and plan for the future.

The E-rate program continues to grow to meet the changing technology needs of schools and libraries due to the overwhelming number of voices expressing their needs and concerns regarding connectivity and cybersecurity. Please continue to share your voice and together we can continue to improve the technology needs of schools, libraries, and our students.