Key points:

• Schools still rely on E-rate funds to upgrade and protect their technology infrastructures
• Will cybersecurity receive E-rate funding?
• 3 ways the E-rate program helps level up learning
• For more news on the E-rate, see eSN’s IT Leadership hub

When the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program first emerged in 1996, only 14 percent of the nation’s K-12 classrooms were connected to the internet. Since then, the program has 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 rate 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 funds to upgrade and protect their technology infrastructures. However, many districts find it challenging to engage in long-term planning without outside consultation or tools that help them evaluate their programs and stay abreast of the latest E-rate policy changes. Keeping up with comment cycles and changing requirements can open new opportunities for students and library patrons.

Bringing connectivity to school buses

After seeking input from the public, the FCC has issued new guidance for applicants seeking to outfit their school buses with Wi-Fi service. In December 2024, the E-rate program’s Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2024 was issued, which includes school bus Wi-Fi equipment and services as eligible for Category One funding. USAC, the E-rate program administrator, also provided specific guidance for the application process for this service.

Although E-rate has issued guidance for school bus Wi-Fi, including off-site hotspots into the program is still up for consideration.

Hotspots 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 for making Wi-Fi hotspot services eligible for E-rate discounts. While commenters agreed students need access to off-campus internet services, they disagreed about ways to support that need. Some felt that E-rate laws should not include at-home internet connectivity. Others expressed concerns about the potential cost of adding hotspot service to the E-rate program.

Funds For Learning estimates that adding hotspot services to E-rate would increase the total demand for E-rate funds by 6.67 percent, or nearly $198 million; however, integrating hotspot support into the E-rate program would enhance 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 billion cap.

Limited time left to influence school and library cybersecurity

In November 2023, the FCC proposed the creation of a Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program—separate from the E-rate program—and sought comments 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 trial) 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 they felt the three-year pilot needed to be shorter and its $200 million proposed budget should be higher. They also suggested the FCC refrain from narrowing the types of products, services, and technologies eligible for the program.

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

Is your school or library prepared for E-rate Funding Year 2024?

Potential E-rate program applicants risk losing millions each year due to shortfalls in their E-rate processes and the need for insight into the FCC’s regulatory guidance. With the E-rate filing window now open through March 27, 2024, organizations must quickly evaluate their needs and complete eligible funding requests.

With the right data, school leaders can make informed decisions that maximize their budgets. New analytics 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 with connectivity and cybersecurity. Continue to share your voice, and together, we can continue to improve the technology needs of schools, libraries, and our students.

Key points:

• Without continued funding, schools and libraries may struggle to maintain or upgrade technological infrastructure
• See article: 3 ways the E-rate program helps level up learning
• See article: Will cybersecurity receive E-rate funding?
• For more news on E-rate, visit eSN’s IT Leadership page

In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in education, the expiration of the E-rate program’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) funding poses a significant threat to underserved schools and libraries. This funding, which was crucial in bridging the digital divide, now stands at a crossroads, potentially leaving many educational institutions grappling with outdated technology and hindering access to the digital resources necessary for effective learning.

While the stakes are high and a potential crisis may be looming, there are several solutions to mitigate the impact on underserved areas as we transition to a post-ECF era.

The role of ECF funding in schools and libraries

For context, the E-rate program, established in 1996 as part of the Telecommunications Act, aimed to ensure affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services for schools and libraries. Over the years, the ECF component of E-rate emerged as a lifeline for schools and libraries, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. This fund addressed the digital divide by providing financial support for broadband connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspots, and connected devices such as laptops and tablets.

ECF funding has played a pivotal role in transforming underserved schools and libraries into tech-savvy hubs of learning. It enabled these institutions to acquire up-to-date technology, offering students and community members access to a wealth of information and educational resources. This funding helped level the playing field, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that students from all backgrounds had equal opportunities to excel when digital education was the only option to continue learning.

The expiration threat

Now, with the expiration of ECF funding, it brings with it myriad challenges, primarily centered around the potential exacerbation of the digital divide. Without continued financial support, schools and libraries may struggle to maintain or upgrade their technological infrastructure. This could result in a regression to outdated systems, hindering the ability of students and community members to engage in new and evolving educational needs.

Concern also has been raised about the potential lack of access to technology becoming a far-reaching consequence for underserved communities. If educational opportunities become limited, students’ ability to develop essential digital skills necessary for success in the workforce may be hindered. Moreover, the potential digital divide is likely to extend beyond the classroom, affecting adults who rely on these institutions for access to online job searches, healthcare information, and government services. The long-lasting effects could perpetuate a cycle of poverty and limit the socio-economic growth of these communities.

Solutions to bridge the gap

To address the impending digital crisis, several solutions can be explored. Advocacy for the extension or renewal of ECF funding is a critical step. Policymakers must recognize the fundamental role that technology plays in education and prioritize continued support for underserved areas. Additionally, partnerships between private and public sectors can contribute to sustainable funding models that ensure ongoing access to technology for these institutions.

Another innovative approach involves the recycling and upcycling of technology. Instead of disposing of outdated devices, schools and libraries can explore programs that refurbish and repurpose technology. Technology trade-in partners can be a valuable resource and help schools put funds back into budgets to cover the cost of new technology purchases. They are able to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a school’s device inventory, taking into account the age, condition, and compatibility with the latest software to give a clear understanding of the potential value if upcycled. That means devices that still have useful life are refurbished and put into the hands of individuals and organizations who might not otherwise be able to afford the technology.

Sustainability also is an important consideration and technology trade-in partners can develop sustainable technology plans for schools and libraires. These plans help organizations determine the right devices to purchase, when to sell them at the optimal point in their useful life, and how to reinvest those funds into new technology. The right decisions at each step in the process can put significant money back into budgets and keep the best technology in the hands of schools and libraires. Ensuring that the digital divide is closed, and students continue to elevate their education.

Additionally, these initiatives also can be designed to engage students, teaching them about the importance of sustainability while providing hands-on experience in refurbishing electronic devices.

The expiration of ECF funding poses a substantial threat to the strides made in narrowing the digital divide in underserved schools and libraries. It is imperative that stakeholders recognize the vital role technology plays in education and community development. Advocacy for continued funding and utilizing technology trade-in partners are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that these institutions continue to thrive in the digital age. By addressing these potential challenges head-on, we can work toward a future where all students, regardless of their economic background, have equal access to technology and educational opportunities.

Key points:

• Cybersecurity remains a major concern among school IT leaders, and many schools would like these services included in the E-rate program
• Schools and libraries continue to depend on the E-rate funding for internet connections and affordable pricing
• See related article: Will cybersecurity receive E-rate funding?
• For more news on the E-rate, visit eSN’s IT Leadership page

An annual E-rate report reveals a strong consensus among respondents for cybersecurity services to be included in the federal program, considering their critical role in safeguarding educational institutions against cyber threats.

The 13th annual E-rate Trends Report from E-rate compliance services firm Funds For Learning is designed to understand how the program can best serve schools and libraries. School and library input is compiled and delivered directly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to inform program administration.

This year’s survey received 2,110 applicant responses, corresponding to approximately 10 percent of all E-rate applicants. The report demonstrates consistency in applicants’ dependence on E-rate to ensure faster connections, connect more students, and lower prices of goods supported by the program.

Key findings and comments from the 2023 report include:

• E-rate success: E-rate is essential in providing reliable and secure internet connectivity for schools and libraries. Many respondents appreciate the program’s financial support to connect schools and libraries to high-speed internet access, particularly in low-income areas. Out of all of the applicants who completed the survey, 88 percent of participants agreed that their education sites have faster Internet connections due to the E-rate program. Eighty-six percent of educators also feel that their students and library patrons are more connected to the internet than ever.

“E-Rate has been crucial in helping our schools access higher speed internet at an affordable rate.” – Arizona school district

“E-rate is a lifesaver for our tiny, rural library. We would not be able to afford equivalent internet services without it.” – Idaho library

• The need for cybersecurity: The report reveals a strong consensus among respondents for including cybersecurity services in the program. Ninety-three percent of applicants agree that the E-rate program should provide support for comprehensive network security solutions. In December 2022, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Public Notice seeking comments on the potential use of the E-rate program to support next-generation firewalls and other network security services. The response was significant, with hundreds of comments submitted by schools, libraries, service providers, manufacturers, consultants, and industry groups. Commenters expressed well-researched examples of the real-world financial and social impacts of network security breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybersecurity incidents. They urge the FCC to take action quickly.

“As a member of a Cyber Response Team, I have seen many incidents that have come through that would be solved just by having even basic cybersecurity protections in place, protections that are expensive for school districts to purchase.” – Wisconsin school district

“I would like to reiterate not only the need for cybersecurity funding from the U.S. government for educational organizations as a matter of improved operations, but also as a matter of improved national security.” – Georgia library system

• Equitable access and the learning gap: Internet accessibility is an ongoing concern for students and library patrons. Insufficient internet access in the homes of students or library patrons is a significant issue in the communities of 90 percent of respondents. The report emphasizes the need for equitable access to the internet, especially for off-campus use, to bridge the homework gap and ensure continuity of learning.

“The most important issue we have in our rural area is that there is simply no service available to a large percentage of our students’ households in our community.” – Michigan school district

“This year’s Trends Report highlights the remarkable progress made towards connecting schools and libraries; however, it also emphasizes that our work is far from over,” said Brian Stephens, Director of Stakeholder Engagement of Funds For Learning. “E-rate applicants indicate the need for a proactive approach to safeguarding our students and library patrons. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can pave the way for an even brighter future for education.”

The E-rate program supports nearly every school and library in America, annually providing billions of dollars of much-needed support for Internet access and computer networking. More than 21,300 applicants and 3,800 vendors currently participate in the program.

Key points:

• Schools are under extreme pressure to ward off cyberattacks
• Funding for school security systems networks would greatly bolster network defenses
• See related article: Why E-rate is critical for school technology access
• Learn How to Lower Cybersecurity Threats to Your School

Since 2016, more than 1,300 schools have been victims of cyberattacks, including student data breaches, ransomware attacks, email scams, and other incidents, according to a January 2023 report by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

A recent Sophos survey reveals that in 2022, 80 percent of schools were targeted for a cyberattack, up from 56 percent in 2021. Schools are now the leading target for cybergangs, according to The74. The education sector is particularly vulnerable compared to other industries. It reported one of the highest rates of ransom payment, with 47 percent of K-12 educational organizations paying the ransom requested. These organizations, on average, paid $2.18 million in recovery costs (when paying the ransom) vs. $1.37 million if they chose not to pay, Sophos reports.

To keep students, educators, and staff safe, school departments need help funding robust security systems that prevent these harmful and costly incidents from happening. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program funds basic firewall services and separately priced basic firewalls and services as a Category Two service, subject to an applicant’s five-year Category Two budget.

School information technology leaders recognize and have voiced to the FCC the gap between what E-rate covers and the top technology challenges districts face through a public comment period earlier this year. In February 2023, Funds For Learning submitted our comment to the FCC, which included 80 comments from E-rate applicants, service providers and consultants, who all called for network security support to be included in E-rate program in response to our 2022 E-rate Trends Report survey. Here is some of the feedback we received and shared:

• “The E-rate program is vital to our organization and essential to student achievement. Expansion of the program to cover network security equipment would be greatly appreciated given the current global cybersecurity threats.” -Georgia School District (Urban)
• “Costs are increasing significantly for district technical and security needs. I have seen yearly increases in operational technical costs. Not being able to utilize E-rate funds for security products or phone systems and maintenance, both of which are mandatory for safety reasons, is becoming more problematic to find consistent general funding for. The ability to use E-rate for cybersecurity needs should be at the top of the list.” -California School District (Rural)
• “E-rate should extend their eligible products and services to network security software tools. Having more devices to manage on a small district budget is even more challenging without security management software for staff and students. Protecting students online is very important, and the software to do so should be eligible for funding from USAC.” -Michigan School District (Rural)

In recognition of school departments’ desire for increased security systems funding, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a separate proposal to protect school networks in July. The proposed $200 million, three-year pilot program aims “to harden the cyber defenses and determine the most effective methods to protect our schools and libraries.” Speaking to The School Superintendents Association, Rosenworcel acknowledged “the rise in malicious ransomware attacks that harm our students” and said, “Now is the time to take action.”

If adopted, the proposal would open a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and seek comments on the program’s structure. The FCC intends to fund the program separately from E-rate to ensure requests for cybersecurity funds don’t take away from funds allocated to improve Internet connectivity. Currently, the FCC has yet to schedule a vote on this proposal—leaving schools responsible for designing and paying for systems to safeguard against breaches and attacks—at least for now.

Funds For Learning recognizes that schools struggle to budget for and implement modern cybersecurity solutions. Each year, in our E-rate Trends Report, we ask superintendents, principals, business staff and school technology experts questions about the E-rate program and the types of projects they’re looking to invest in. The E-rate Trends Report gives stakeholders a broader picture of what applicants think about the E-rate program. We gather publicly available funding request data and conduct an annual applicant survey.

Most organizations responding to our survey have worked with the E-rate program for more than five years and provide critical insights into the technology issues they care about most. In this year’s Funds For Learning E-rate Trends Report, to be released on October 10, 2023, we added a new section focused on cybersecurity, including the answers we asked applicants about their cybersecurity budgets and the types of services they think should qualify for E-rate funding. We invite school and technology leaders to download a copy of the report here.

The federal E-rate program continues to provide expanded access to technology, including edtech tools, digital learning resources, and high-speed internet access, to schools, according to an annual report that takes stock of the program’s progress.

The findings come from E-rate compliance services firm Funds For Learning‘s 12th annual E-rate Trends Report. The report is designed to understand how the program can best serve schools and libraries. Stakeholder input is compiled and delivered directly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to inform program administration.

Key findings from the 2022 report include:

E-rate has provided greater accessibility to technology in schools. Out of all of the applicants who completed the survey, 87 percent of participants agreed that their education sites have faster Internet connections due to the E-rate program. Eighty-six percent of educators also feel that their students and library patrons are more connected to the internet than ever.

E-rate remains a dependable and necessary program for education. The E-rate platform has been proven vital for learning operations by 94 percent of respondents. When it comes to how many participants can depend on funding year over year, 89 percent of applicants reported feeling like they could depend on the E-rate program for funding.

Internet accessibility is an ongoing problem for students and library patrons. About 89% of participants felt that insufficient internet access is a significant issue in the general community. Eighty-two percent of participants also stated that they would take advantage of being able to share internet access off-campus to the general community in order to provide a more technologically connected society.

Related:
Why E-rate is critical for school technology access
E-rate spending reveals schools’ tech evolution

“This year’s Trends Report shows that the E-rate program is reaching a wide range of schools with broadband internet access,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning, “It is extremely important to learn from applicants about their processes and results with federal funding so that we can continue to provide easy application access for our education leaders.”

This year’s survey received 2,085 applicant responses, corresponding to approximately 10 percent of all E-rate applicants. The report demonstrates consistency in the applicant’s dependence on E-rate to ensure faster connections, connecting more students and lower prices of goods supported by the program.

The E-rate program supports nearly every school and library in America, annually providing billions of dollars of much-needed support for Internet access and computer networking. More than 21,300 applicants and 3,800 vendors currently participate in the program.

This press release originally appeared online.

Every year, schools and libraries have access to billions of dollars of funding through the FCC’s E-rate program. Unfortunately, many don’t take advantage, oftentimes because of confusion over who is eligible and what services are available. In this post I’ll break down the importance of E-rate, how it works, and the types of technologies it makes available that are crucial to education.

The importance of E-rate

For students in the 21st century, it’s almost impossible to overemphasize the importance of the internet and digital learning technologies. There is a growing dependence on these resources across the U.S., and they are often seen as critical for connecting students and teachers and preparing students for lifelong learning and jobs.

With E-rate, schools and libraries serving K-12 students can ensure that students have access to the most reliable and most useful technologies on the market. No one should fall behind because of lack of funding.

E-rate provides 20 to 90 percent discounts for telecommunications, telecommunications services, internet access, internal connections, and managed internal broadband services. Depending on the service selected, E-rate also covers basic maintenance, monthly charges, installation and activation charges, and other necessary costs.

Discounts are based on a school’s poverty level, and location is also taken into consideration with rural schools and libraries sometimes receiving higher discounts. The cap for funding year 2021 was $4.276 billion.

Read more:

E-rate spending sheds light on schools’ edtech evolution

7 reasons E-rate funding is absolutely critical

How E-rate works

Detailed information on the application process can be found on the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) website. Funding comes from the Universal Service Fund.

In summary, applicants follow these steps:

1. Schools and libraries determine eligibility
   • There is eligibility criteria for schools and libraries, consortia, non-instructional facilities, non-traditional education (Head Start, pre-kindergarten, adult education, and juvenile justice programs), and Educational Service Agencies
2. Competitive bidding commences
   • A list of currently eligible services is available on the USAC website
3. Service providers are selected
   • Schools and libraries must wait at least 28 days after bidding commences before entering into an agreement with a service provider
4. FCC Form 471 is filed to request discounts
5. Applications are reviewed by Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) reviewers at USAC
6. Services can start after the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) is received
7. FCC Form 486 is filed to inform USAC that services started
8. The facility or the service provider invoices USAC for the discount share of the approved eligible services; or, pays for services and invoices USAC for reimbursement

Critical technologies for education

If you are wondering what to use E-rate funds for, here are a few ideas. While every school and library has its own strategic learning priorities, there are some technologies that will benefit everyone across the board. These focus on helping facilities create and maintain reliable, secure learning environments.

Wi-Fi network infrastructure

Wi-Fi is more and more common in schools and libraries. It supports tablets, smartphones, smartboards, laptops, and IoT devices used for everything from educational to administrative to security tasks. Improving network infrastructure will improve all Wi-Fi services. Infrastructure includes access points, switches, routers and edge platforms, and controllers.

Security measures

Focusing on capabilities like firewalls keeps Personal Identifiable Information (PII) secure.

Wi-Fi optimization support

Facilities can choose to invest in Wi-Fi management and optimization platforms to both bolster on-campus IT teams and relieve IT burdens. These platforms provide 24/7 network monitoring and analytics to help reduce Wi-Fi problems and decrease resolution times. Some of them provide remote support and automatic alerts.

Additionally, the insights provided by these platforms can be used to help administrators prioritize other Wi-Fi network upgrades. For example, platforms might identify which access points need to be replaced and which are still working reliably, or track utilization changes over time to identify a school’s specific needs.

Cloud infrastructure

Schools and libraries can use E-rate funds to obtain or improve cloud infrastructure. This capability can help students access resources wherever there is an Internet connection, supports collaboration between administrators, teachers, and parents, and can help facilities save money on data storage.

Improve educational environments

If there have been any internet complaints at your school, library, or non-instructional facility, working with E-rate is one of the best ways to improve capabilities, support all end users, and end issues. Reliable, secure, affordable service is possible. Work with E-rate today to help achieve your educational goals.

Schooling has changed in many ways in the last two years, but while remote learning, mask policies and increased federal spending in education have gotten lots of attention, another trend has gone nearly unnoticed.

But thanks to the availability of detailed E-rate data, this sea change is now being recognized. E-rate is the federal government program that provides discounts of up to 90 percent for schools and libraries to bring high-speed internet into their building(s) and create internal networks for online access. For years, E-rate applicants have leveraged E-rate to bring fast internet service into their organizations, cobbling together funds and seeking out providers. But today, a new trend is emerging—more funds are being requested to improve internal networks, allowing the flood of devices now used in schools and libraries to effectively get online.

E-rate funding requested in Category One, which includes data transmission services and internet access, has declined for five straight years, largely a function of increasing marketplace competition and decreasing per-megabit prices.  But funding requests for Category Two services have soared in the same time period. Category Two funds can be spent on wireless access points, network switches, data cabling and other resources essential for on-campus connections.

E-rate Applicants Add Devices, Concentrate on Bolstering Internal Networks

This significant change is a natural outgrowth of all the devices that are used in schools after districts went remote for at least part of the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, 45 percent of schools reported having a computer for each student, according to a National Center for Education Statistics report on the 2019-20 school year. At least one more recent study said this figure nearly doubled to 86 percent as schools scrambled to give students devices to allow remote learning.

The need for infrastructure to support all those devices is evident in the E-rate funding data. In 2018, there was a $1.5 billion gap between Category One and Category Two, with about $2.6 billion requested in Category One. With Category One funding requests decreasing slightly and Category Two funding requests increasing dramatically, the gap has been rapidly decreasing. In funding year 2022, the expenditures for the Category One and Category Two are nearly even.

This vital information from the 2022 filing window will help district leaders better plan their E-rate strategy in the future.

Let’s look a bit deeper at these trends and understand what they show. In funding year 2019 and funding year 2020, the average total cost for Category Two services was relatively flat at slightly more than $20,000 per school or library site. But in funding year 2021, expenditures jumped to $26,500 per site in funding year 2021 and then rose again to $32,000 per site in funding year 2022.

E-rate Applicants’ Wish List: Switches and Wi-Fi

In funding year 2022, about half of the average per-site Category Two funding requested was for the purchase of network switches. This is where the rubber meets the road; switches take care of controlling traffic from a device to the internet, whether through a wireless access point or a data jack in the wall. These expenditures will allow the influx of students or library patrons who now have a school or library-issued devices to connect this device to the internet during the school day.

Next on the list was Wi-Fi equipment, with applicants spending an average of more than $6,000 per site. Over 40 percent of E-rate applicants requested E-rate funds on these devices. Data cabling was the next biggest funding request for E-rate applicants, followed by installation expenses.

But maybe the biggest change in these funds is how they are distributed. Better understanding this process can allow you to plan out your district’s technology upgrades while making sure you maximize your district’s use of E-rate funds.

The funds available for each district in Category Two are capped in five-year cycles. The current cycle began with funding year 2021 and will run through funding year 2025. A consistent funding cycle allows administrators to choose the best timing for network refreshes or upgrades, with the confidence that the entire funding cap will reset and start fresh in funding year 2026. More planning also increases the possibility that network deployment can be better managed and supported by in-school staff.

How E-rate Changes Should Alter E-rate Applicants’ Plans

More data from the recent filing period shows that the FCC is meeting one of its top goals, which is expanding E-rate support for the equipment and services needed to deliver high speed Wi-Fi to classrooms and libraries. School leaders can have confidence that they have the flexibility to deploy equipment over multiple funding years without fear that funds will be unavailable in any given year.

Another change that school leaders need to understand is that the FCC has removed the per-building cap from Category Two funding. In the past, districts typically couldn’t max out their Category Two budget caps because of the diverse nature of school sites within a typical district – variations in the age of facilities, construction materials, and infrastructure needs meant that some sites would exhaust their cap well before the need was met, while others would have excess Category Two budgets that could not be reallocated. Two years ago, the FCC removed this rule, meaning that many more districts can max out their requests and use the allotted money exactly where needed within the district.

Overall, more than 80,000 schools and libraries have applied for funds in Category Two in funding years 2021 and 2022. That’s a remarkable number that proves the need and effectiveness of the E-rate program.

On this episode of Getting There: Innovations in Education, sponsored by Adobe Sign:

• The 2021 E-rate Trends Report emphasizes the popularity of this essential program plus resources for districts to leverage
• District leaders discuss how automating forms processing can be done securely
• Zoom Education Marketing Lead Johann Zimmern on what’s next for online synchronous learning

Reliable high-speed internet access isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s absolutely essential for teaching and learning. Without reliable connectivity, students and teachers lose access to the digital tools and resources that make learning engaging and relevant.

In its annual E-rate Trends Survey, E-rate compliance services firm Funds For Learning takes a look at the federal E-rate funding landscape and analyzes how the funding stream supports learning in schools and libraries.

“This year’s Trends Report indicates that the E-rate program is solid and steady,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning. “While connectivity needs continue to evolve, the Trends Report tells a very important story about E-rate as a vital resource for schools and libraries. The past two school years have showed us that school communities depend upon broadband access and network security.”

Here are responses from educators regarding just how critical high-speed internet access is to their students and communities. Many commenters noted the need for more support for rural and low-income schools, as well as the increasing need for cybersecurity measures.

1. Our school could not serve students beyond paper/localized resources without the help of E-rate funding. The growth in digital content and electronic activities for core instruction is creating relevance to how we educate and new purpose as to what it means to be educated.

2. Our library’s Wi-Fi connection is extremely important in our rural community. In our area, there are many dead spots where Wi-Fi cannot be received and Internet providers are sparse. Our community depends on our Wi-Fi connection and digital devices for their digital needs, which are increasingly important in daily life. Access to a reliable Internet connection is no longer a luxury–most jobs, courses, and other aspects of life are accessed via the Internet.

3. If it were not for the E-rate program, our rural library would not be able to provide Internet access to a large majority of people in the area who cannot afford Internet and/or the equipment associated with the service. It is vitally important for us to be able to offer this

4. In this day, schools need help with combating cyber attacks of all kinds. Most schools barely have enough technicians and cannot afford a cyber engineer. Help with cyber protection as a service would be very useful.

5. Please consider funding Broadband connection from home as an extension for school use outside school hours. Many students are now expected to research and connect to Internet applications to expand on daily instructions. Federals fund assisted with a 1-to-1 devices in VA. I know if Internet for home-use is accepted through E-rate funding having broadband for all will become a reality in VA much sooner than later. I ask again to please consider. “Together We Shine Brighter!”

6. The ability to use E-rate funds to have home Internet installed for students [who] can not afford would be huge. We have used federal stimulus money to support hotspots but when there are multiple students online and/or depending upon location cellular coverage does not provide the needed connection to actively engage in learning.

7. We need in home Internet and device support for our families. The majority of curriculum is serviced online and a great percentage of our families are economically disadvantaged so find it difficult to support their children. School District Technology departments are severely understaffed. Support for additional Technology Staff and managed support is very much needed to meet the needs of staff and students. School Districts find it extremely difficult to stay up with the trends and technology advancements.

The federal E-rate program remains a vital and trusted funding source to bring “mission-critical” internet access to schools and libraries, according to an annual report tracking trends and developments related to the federal funding stream.

The 2021 E-rate Trends Report, from E-rate compliance services firm Funds For Learning, arrives as school systems work through COVID-related impacts, including the Homework Gap and on- and off-campus broadband needs.

Responses from a record-breaking 2,164 applicants indicate that E-rate remains essential, and network security is now an urgent concern.

Key 2021 report findings include:

1. E-rate remains a vital program for schools and libraries to achieve connectivity. With a record number of sites served in 2021 (130,418), 97 percent of respondents agree that more students or library patrons are connected because of the E-rate program. Ninety-five percent agree that E-rate funding is vital to internet connectivity.

2. Network security is a critical issue deserving of E-rate support. Seventy-six percent of applicants say network security is a serious and urgent concern. Ninety-seven percent of applicants agree that network security should qualify for E-rate support.

3. Applicants see the E-rate program’s administration in a positive light. Only 9 percent of applicants are dissatisfied with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the program administrator. Since 2016, overall satisfaction with program administration has steadily increased.

“This year’s Trends Report indicates that the E-rate program is solid and steady,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning. “While connectivity needs continue to evolve, the Trends Report tells a very important story about E-rate as a vital resource for schools and libraries. The past two school years have showed us that school communities depend upon broadband access and network security.”

Survey respondents said self-provisioned networks (90 percent), school bus wi-fi (64 percent), telephone service (67 percent), dial internet (84 percent), and primary internet (98 percent) should qualify for Category One E-rate support.

Wi-fi (99 percent), VOIP hardware (82 percent), basic maintenance (97 percent), managed wi-fi (91 percent), and network security should qualify for Category Two E-rate support.

In FY2020, 90.1 percent of survey respondents agreed that insufficient internet access in students’ homes or for library patrons was a significant community issue, and 85.7 percent agreed in FY2021.

If the FCC allowed organizations receiving E-rate funding to share internet access off campus at no additional cost to the E-rate program, 75 percent of survey respondents said they would take advantage of the opportunity.

Participation in this year’s survey was at an all-time high with 2,164 responses counted, equivalent to 10.1 percent of all FY2021 E-rate applicants.

Findings from the report will aid and inform key policymakers and administrative members in maintaining the value of the E-rate program and adapting funding to meet stakeholder needs.

Material from a press release was used in this report.

While E-rate remains a crucial program for schools and libraries to ensure connectivity, the COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to the need for increased flexibility and funds for off-campus learning.

In the 10th annual E-rate Trends Report, based on with a record-breaking 2,138 responses submitted by E-rate applicants, Funds For Learning offers an inside look at the efficacy and value of the federal E-rate program.

Related content: How school librarians are getting creative in a pandemic

“The importance of having fast, reliable internet access for schools and libraries has never been clearer,” writes John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning, in the report’s intro. “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities now have a much deeper appreciation for the significant role that broadband communication plays in educating students and connecting our citizens. K-12 schools and public libraries are at the front lines of providing access to online resources, and they rely on the E-rate program to provide most of the financial support for their Internet connections.”

Key 2020 report findings include:

1. Off-campus internet is an ascendant issue for schools, communities and parents. Ninety percent of respondents report that insufficient internet access is a significant issue in their communities, and 93 percent report that they would share their discounted internet access off-campus if allowed by the FCC.

2. Emergency relief funding was not largely utilized to close the digital divide during the pandemic; the E-rate program is viewed as a viable mechanism to fund off-campus connections–58.6 percent of respondents did not use or were unable to use the Emergency Stabilization Fund for expenses necessary to support off-campus internet access for remote learning. Moreover, 82.5 percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that their schools and libraries would use the E-rate program for off-campus connections.

3. The administration and efficiency of the E-rate program has improved. The majority of respondents are satisfied with the administration of the program by USAC and the EPC tool that enables applicants to file for E-rate funding.

4. The modernization of the E-rate program was successful, and there continues to be increased demand in C2 services. Seventy-five percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that they would be applying for discounts on Category Two services in FY2021.

5. E-rate remains a vital program for schools and libraries to achieve connectivity goals. Ninety percent of respondents agree or strongly agree that schools and libraries connect more students at faster speeds due to the E-rate program.

6. Nearly all survey participants say they believe cybersecurity should be eligible for E-rate funding, with 98 percent agreeing with the idea in 2020 compared to 96 percent in 2019 and 2018.

7. Most schools and libraries will increase their internet bandwidth by at least 50 percent over the next three years, with an average annual increase of 17 percent reported by respondents.

8. Open-ended comments highlighted the desire for internet hot-spot funding, particularly among rural and low-income school communities. “In light of the current and ever changing circumstances it is vitally important that E-rate funds/programs be allowed to be used for hot spots to help enable rural schools to connect students from home where it is impractical and unsafe to get to a Wi-Fi spot,” said one survey respondent. “I would like to see Cybersecurity software and hardware tools protecting our network/users, and Internet Hot Spots for needy families to be eligible for E-rate. Thank you,” write another.

Participation in this year’s survey was at an all-time high with 2,138 responses counted, which is equivalent to 9.9 percent of all FY2020 E-rate applicants.

“As the past few months have so poignantly demonstrated, an online connection should never be taken for granted. Internet access plays a central role in our society, and schools and libraries are at the forefront of making sure our communities are included online,” Harrington says. “The annual E-rate survey amplifies our combined voices to affect positive change for the program; we’ll continue calling upon Congress to leverage the E-rate program for equitable off-campus internet connections.”

Findings from the report will aid and inform key policymakers and administrative members in maintaining the value of the E-rate program, and adapting funding to meet stakeholder needs. To learn more about Funds For Learning’s mission to ensure connectivity for all students, click here.

Education leaders expect school internet needs to increase over the next several years, highlighting the need for increased bandwidth and resources to support growing digital learning demands on school networks.

The ninth annual E-Rate Trends Report from Funds For Learning shows that the federal E-rate program is still critical in establishing broadband connectivity for schools and libraries. The 2014 E-rate update will expire in 2020, and stakeholders are urged to advocate for the program in order to ensure it can continue to serve schools and libraries and help close connectivity gaps.

Related content: 5 school and library applicants weigh in on E-rate

“Every year, we read through hundreds of responses that showcase how E-rate is mission critical for schools and libraries,” says John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning. “It’s vital to identify what’s working and what improvements must be made, and to deliver that feedback directly to the FCC.”

Related Content:

eSchool News Digital & Mobile Learning Guide

The eSchool News Digital & Mobile Learning Guide is here! It features strategies to help you effectively use digital and mobile learning resources, along with tips to support digital and mobile learning initiatives. A new eSchool News Guide will launch each month–don’t miss a single one!

The survey also includes open-ended responses from applicants.

“[E-rate] is a tremendous program that is necessary for the instructional benefit of all students and educators across the United States. Without it, these individuals would suffer immensely and potentially cause our nation a huge disadvantage when it comes to 21st century skills,” according to comment number 218.

“As a small rural school district, our options for internet, fiber, etc. are limited. E-rate helps us tremendously with our internet, building-to-building connectivity, and network equipment that are necessary in today’s education environment. Since state funded programs…no longer exist, districts must spend more district money [on] projects. It would be difficult for our district to fund everything needed without the benefit of E-rate,” says comment number 41.

School internet remains critical to students’ success, both academically and in building the schools they’ll need to succeed in college and the workforce.

Here are 6 key findings about digital learning and school internet needs:

1. Digital learning continues to explode. 88 percent of applicants expect bandwidth needs of schools and libraries to increase in the next three years.

2. Barriers to internet still exist. 82 percent of applicants agree that insufficient internet access to home of students or library patrons is significant issue in their community.

3. If permitted to share school internet access off-campus at no additional cost to the E-rate program, 83 percent of responding applicants say they would do so.

4. Wi-Fi remains mission-critical. 88 percent of applicants feel Wi-Fi is extremely important in fulfilling their mission. 79 percent of applicants in FY18 cited the same need, showing a consistent trend in Wi-Fi access to support digital learning in schools and libraries.

5. More applicants say school internet should extend to school buses–in 2018’s survey, 58 percent of applicants believed school bus internet should qualify for E-rate support. This year, 66 percent of applicants say the same. “Our community would greatly benefit from access to Wi-Fi on buses and school-provided internet at their homes. This would allow for a greater flexibility in the use of online resources and blended learning. Extending the classroom to anywhere our students have a device is key to success in a 21st century learning environment,” according to comment number 274.

6. E-rate funding is considered critical to school internet connectivity goals, but not all applicants feel they can depend on the funding each year. Ninety-four percent say E-rate is vital, but only 84 percent say their organization can depend on the funding each year.

Participation in this year’s report was a record high, with 1,763 applicants from every state and territory completing the survey, representing about 8 percent of all school and library applicants nationwide.

As schools and districts strive to meet their existing technology needs and prepare for the future, access to federal and state funding, along with other grants, is making a major difference in whether students engage in 21st century learning or are left behind.

And with online assessments now being required in many states, reliable broadband access is also essential so that students’ knowledge and skills are accurately represented, and technology is not a barrier to achievement and its documentation.

Related content: 4 things to ask about E-rate funding

During a recent webinar, edtech experts provided an overview of the E-rate program, state matching funds, and ways to obtain grants for technological development. Tapping these funding sources can be a challenge, especially for smaller districts, but there are resources and other types of support available.

Accessing the E-Rate and matching state funds

Sheryl Abshire, Ph.D., an edtech specialist at Abshire Consulting, explained that the E-rate program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission specifically to help schools with connectivity and internet access, and the U.S. Department of Education does not provide funding for this purpose.

Investment in these areas and a strategy for obtaining E-rate discounts should be part of every district’s five- or ten-year technology plan, so that schools can continue to have reliable service that accommodates changing needs. And while the E-rate program cannot be used for device purchases and professional development, it can free up other funds for those purposes.

Josh Chisom, a program manager at EducationSuperHighway, identified 22 states that now provide matching funds which can be combined with the E-rate program, and he noted that two more states are proceeding with plans to provide these types of funding. Application processes vary, based on the state, as do disbursements.

Cynthia Schultz, Esq., a managing member of the Broadband Law Group, said there is “a lot going on at the state level with digital equity and getting the right connectivity.” This is likely to be especially important in light of what is being called the “fourth industrial revolution,” which includes emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G networks.

Responding to changing needs and funding opportunities

Dr. Abshire pointed out that the challenges for today’s district leaders include protecting students’ data and other information, filtering content, and establishing acceptable use policies for students and teachers. There needs to be secure, robust, and reliable networks that provide access to digital content as technologies evolve, and in many districts another growing concern is equitable access, both in and out of school.

To obtain funding for these and other edtech needs, Dr. Abshire recommended the development of a strategy or “recipe” that includes the integration of program elements, such as project design and alignment of components. There should also be a focus on high quality and continuous improvement, with professional development and ongoing evaluation of progress, all tied to high standards.

Reviewers of grant proposals will be looking at how the grant proposal ties in with the district’s overall plan, and in particular how the technology funds will be used to impact student learning. Proposal reviewers will also focus on the outcomes, both in terms of how they were developed and how the funding will help to achieve those goals. Another important factor is whether the project could be replicated elsewhere.

Dr. Abshire also stressed the importance of showing how the district will tap other resources, such as volunteers or alternative funding sources, and explaining why a project is uniquely important for your district, rather than using a general, templated approach. And she noted the importance of doing the “little things” right, such as using correct spelling and good grammar, following all the directions, and meeting the deadlines.

By reaching out to a variety of sources, including state E-rate coordinators and even local vendors, who may have their own discount programs and can provide information about the latest available technologies, district edtech leaders can keep pace with the changes and funding needed to prepare students for success in the 21st century.

About the presenters

As the former Chief Technology Officer for the Calcasieu Parish Public Schools Lake Charles, Louisiana for 20+ years, Dr. Sheryl Abshire served as a catalyst for technology integration throughout the nation and internationally, providing leadership on numerous national, state, and district committees focusing on the roles of technology and curriculum in changing educational practice. A 40+ year veteran educator, Sheryl has served as a school principal, K-5 teacher, library/media specialist, classroom teacher, university professor and is an ISTE Certified Educator and Ed Tech specialist and consultant. In 2010 the FCC appointed her to the USAC board representing the nation’s schools and libraries on ERATE. She was the 2013 recipient of the National Coalition for Technology in Education & Training, NCTET Community Builder Award for exemplary service supporting policies and practices designed to facilitate effective technology integration into teaching and learning across the nation’s education system. She is a past board member and chair of CoSN and is Vice President of Advocacy and Programs for LACUE.

Cynthia Schultz, Esq. is one of the nation’s leading experts in E-rate and is passionate in her work to close the digital divide. She is the Managing Member of Broadband Law Group recognized in both the public and private sectors as an authority on federal regulatory and compliance requirements governing the broadband, communications, and technology sectors focusing on education and healthcare. She served as general counsel of a broadband company, and as a partner in a major international law firm in Washington D.C., where she also specialized in technology and communications law with a focus on federal technology grants and E-Rate. Cynthia also served as the Chief Compliance Officer for the $4.7B BTOP Program at NTIA and as the Director of Service Provider Support for the $2.25B E-rate Program at USAC, where she managed compliance issues and advocated on behalf of over 4,000 service providers nationally. She received her J.D. from American University and B.A. from the George Washington University.

At EducationSuperHighway, Josh provides expert E-rate advice, analysis and training for districts, regional organizations and states across the country. Josh has 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education. Before joining ESH, Josh was an E-rate consultant for eight years and, prior to that, a site reviewer and trainer for the Universal Service Fund. In his off hours he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing guitar with his rock band, and reading history books and detective novels.

About the host

Prior to joining Velocity Fiber, Greg oversaw sales for 1102 Grand (now Netrality Properties) which became one of the largest Internet interconnection hubs in the Midwest. He brings a unique insight into how the Internet works behind the scenes and has extensive experience working with school districts as well as with regional education networks. Greg is passionate about helping connect as many people as possible to affordable broadband across the United States and is active in several educational and telecommunications organizations including Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (The SHLB Coalition or SHLB). In addition, Greg is on the Board of Directors with the KC Tech Council and Overland Park, Kansas, Arts and Recreation Foundation.

Join the community

Technology in Schools is a free professional learning community on edWeb.net where district administrators, school leaders, and all educators can share ideas, examples, and resources that relate to integrating technology effectively in schools.

The edWeb webinar referenced above, sponsored by Velocity Fiber, can be found here.

A federal report on students’ home access to digital learning resources is months late, and ed-tech groups say the delay is impeding efforts to close the homework gap.

In a letter to the Institute of Education Sciences, a number of ed-tech and advocacy organizations point out that many students lack home access to the internet connectivity they need to complete homework and use online learning resources.

The groups also point out that the study, which the Every Student Succeeds Act mandated be sent to Congress by June 2017, “will help policy makers identify the best ways to ensure all students can connect with broadband services and be on a path for success after graduation.”

The study is required to examine student habits related to digital learning outside the classroom, along with the barriers students face in accessing those resources.

“We think there’s a big problem, and we need good data around it,” says CoSN CEO Keith Krueger. “This is critical.”

Device access isn’t always a problem, but the kind of device students have can determine their access to digital learning resources.

“A lot of low-income kids, while they have a device, it’s probably a smartphone and they’re probably on a data cap,” Krueger adds. “We need to understand the nuances. What kind of device do you have? What kind of internet? Is it robust? Are you trying to do your homework on a small screen?”

In November 2017, the Federal Communications Commission voted to start scaling back its Lifeline program, which discounts phone and internet service for low-income Americans. The proposed reform was met with concern, and FCC Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Mignon Clyburn dissented, saying in powerful statements that the proposal will only serve to broaden the homework gap and could leave many Lifeline users without affordable access.

The deadline for filing comments was Feb. 21, and reply comments are due by March 23.

Some stakeholders believe the FCC’s vote is coming this spring, based on the deadlines for comments and reply comments.

That impending vote makes the IES report all the more necessary, according to the letter.

“The study, including the required examination of student habits related to digital learning outside the classroom and the barriers they face in accessing those resources, will help policy makers identify the best ways to ensure all students can connect with broadband services and be on a path for success after graduation,” the groups wrote. “In light of the Federal Communications Commission’s pending Notice of Inquiry and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the future of the Lifeline program, we are especially eager to review the results of IES’s work.”

Coming off long conversations with the FCC about E-rate modernization, the ed-tech community began thinking about ways to better help students who lack the internet and resource access they need at home to continue learning outside of the classroom, says Reg Leichty, CoSN’s policy expert. The conversation turned to how ESSA can address the homework gap across the country.

“Our allies on Capitol Hill said that at a minimum, we should gather additional information about the scope of this challenge for students, and we should try to better understand, as policymakers, what the out-of-school digital learning environment looks like, including the barriers students face in accessing digital learning when they go home,” Leichty says.

Impending rulings about Lifeline make the report’s release all the more urgent, he adds.

“We know IES and the Department of Education are taking this seriously. It’s a complex issue and we want the work to be done right. But given the FCC’s NPRM and NOI about Lifeline, we think the bulk of this study could be helpful for that work. These two proceedings at the FCC might have a big impact on these kids, and we think it’s time to release this report,” he says.

With concerns about school internet access buzzing in the wake of the FCC’s vote to repeal net neutrality, anxiety over school internet access might transfer to the federal E-rate program–but there’s no need to worry, according to E-rate experts.

When the FCC voted to repeal net neutrality, education stakeholders worried the move would be a step backwards for digital equity inside classrooms. Some worried that even in classrooms with digital equity, net neutrality’s repeal would leave students in low-income neighborhoods at a disadvantage and widen the homework gap.

While net neutrality’s impact on the marketplace and internet access has yet to be determined, there are things schools can do to protect themselves if they’re worried about throttling or blocking–concerns brought up during the net neutrality debate, said John Harrington, CEO of E-rate consulting firm Funds For Learning.

Schools should build that concern directly into their E-rate requests for proposals.

Next page: Language in E-rate RFPs can help combat net neutrality’s impact

“The advantage a district has is that it can leverage and negotiate–if your district has a concern about throttling or blocking, put that in your requirements–you won’t use a service provider that slows down, throttles, or blocks traffic,” Harrington said. “That’s an easy way to make sure that, at least for schools and libraries, it isn’t an issue. That’s not something the typical consumer can negotiate, but a school district absolutely can.”

But the E-rate program is likely to see changes in the near future, Harrington said, and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has said he would like the program’s administration to improve. In fact, new CEO Radha Sekar joined USAC in December. Former CEO Chris Henderson resigned in May after Pai sharply criticized the program’s online E-rate Productivity Center.

But Pai’s criticism focuses on the E-rate program’s administration and doesn’t threaten the program’s existence, Harrington said.

“Chairman Pai and his advisers have consistently said they continue to support the E-rate program and have no plans to try and repeal or change it,” he said. “E-rate has had a 20-year track record of bipartisan support, and we’ve not seen anything that would indicate this has changed whatsoever, not on Capitol Hill and not at the FCC.”

What the FCC does want to address, he said, is how the program is administered. “Pai has written to USAC calling for a better job,” Harrington said.

The current set of E-rate rules expires in 2020, and the regulatory process to renew those rules will likely kick off in the next 6-12 months, Harrington said, adding that he expects to see a discussion around the rules in that timeframe.

And while net neutrality has been controversial, the E-rate program hasn’t the same sort of debate about the program itself–the existential question has not been there, Harrington said.

This fall, under Pai’s leadership, the FCC opened a special filing window for schools and libraries impacted by the hurricanes. That isn’t something an agency does for a program it doesn’t intend to continue, Harrington added.

“You don’t open a special window if you don’t think the program is worth supporting. That’s the first time in the 20-year history of the program that the FCC decided a special group of applicants needed help,” he said. “Everything I’m hearing is a discussion about how the program should be improved or modified–and that’s a very different discussion than whether we should have an E-rate program or not.”

USAC’s Schools and Libraries Division has announced important Funding Year (FY) 2018 dates and deadlines.

The FY 2018 FCC Form 471 application filing window opens Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, at 12:00 noon EST and closes on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 11:59 PM EDT. This filing window is more in keeping with those used in prior funding years.

Representatives at USAC’s Client Service Bureau are available to help applicants at 888-203-8100. Applicants also can open a customer service case in the E-rate Productivity Center to receive assistance.

The announcement has further details about the filing window and how to prepare. Click here for the full announcement.

It’s that time of year again–the federal E-rate program is getting underway, and with program updates and refreshes in recent years, you might need a primer on this year’s program.

The E-rate program helps schools and libraries access high-speed internet and telecommunications at prices that won’t break the bank.

At the end of 2014, the Federal Communications Commission voted to increase funding to the federal E-rate program by $1.5 billion. The vote brought the annual program cap from $2.4 billion to $3.9 billion.

Supporters of the increase noted that the additional funding was critical to a program that can address so many troubling gaps in schools and libraries across the nation, including gaps in internet access, anytime anywhere learning, and connected devices.

Here are some of the program basics you know to get started in a new E-rate funding year.

First, according to the Schools and Libraries department in the Universal Services Administrative Company, which administers the E-rate, those interested in E-rate funding should determine their eligibility. This generally means meeting the program’s definition of a school or library. State departments of education and state libraries can offer guidance if needed.

Eligible services are also important. The E-rate program’s Eligible Services Overview gives applicants a cursory understanding of the products, equipment and services that are eligible for discounted funding. Discounts can range from 20 percent to 90 percent of the cost of eligible services, and applicants can refer to resources that help them determine discount percentages.

Once eligibility is squared away, E-rate applicants should review the application process, which involves competitive bidding for services. Applicants sign a contract with the most cost-effective bidder, and once that service agreement is established, USAC issues the applicant a funding commitment and the applicant begins receiving service discounts.

Funding falls under two categories of service: Category One services include Data Transmission Services and Internet Access, and Voice Services. Category Two services include Internal Connections, Managed Internal Broadband Services, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections. Discounts for support depend on the service category, the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the appropriate school district.

Applicants can access recent E-rate webinar recordings, can subscribe to weekly newsletters with updates about the E-rate program, and can learn about E-rate training sessions and events that are held at various locations across the country.

A large majority of E-rate applicants (87 percent) said the federally funded program is vital to their internet connectivity goals, according to an annual survey that tracks program applicants’ perspectives on the program.

In the midst of leadership changes in the White House and the FCC, as well as education budget cuts, ed-tech stakeholders have raised questions regarding the promise of the E-rate program to deliver safe and proper broadband connections to students in the U.S.

According to initial feedback from Funds For Learning’s annual E-rate applicant survey, E-rate recipients continue to rely on E-rate funding to provide connectivity for schools and libraries across the nation.

Seventy-nine percent of survey respondents said they have faster internet connections to their sites because of E-rate, and 78 percent said they were able to connect more students and library patrons to the internet because of the E-rate program.

“Certainly, the E-rate program is not without its challenges, but the fundamental nature of the program remains as strong as ever,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning. “While the political climate has shifted, one thing has remained the same: E-rate is vital and will continue to play an indispensable role in connecting schools and communities.”

(Next page: How one school is putting E-rate funding to work)

This year, approximately 1,100 applicants completed the Funds For Learning survey, representing about 5 percent of all school and library applicants nationwide. Full survey results will be available in the fall.

In CoSN’s 2016 Infrastructure Survey, respondents revealed that, for the fourth year in a row, school systems identify cost of ongoing recurring expenses as the biggest barrier to robust connectivity. In fact, this number increased from 46 percent in 2015 to 57 percent in 2016–another reason E-rate funding remains critical to schools’ connectivity.

Schools and districts routinely turn to E-rate funding for affordable and state-of-the-art technologies, including centrally-managed gigabit Wi-Fi platforms that leverage the cloud, and switches that can easily scale up as demand increases—which it inevitably will.

One such example is Columbia Public Schools, a Missouri school district that covers 300 square miles between St. Louis and Kansas City and serves 18,000 students. As Christine Diggs, director of Technology Services for Columbia Public Schools, points out, “Fast and reliable Wi-Fi access is now simply an imperative for delivering a 21st century education.”

Columbia Public Schools provides a device for every two students, with the eventual goal of equipping each student with their own Apple iPad. School-issued devices and use of other mobile devices were placing a heavy demand on their existing network, which could not be counted on to reliably deliver digital educational content when needed.

The district resolved these challenges by investing in gigabit Wi-Fi—1,400 Wave 2 access points and 100 controllers. This new, robust Wi-Fi network architecture fully supports more than 20,000 Wi-Fi connected devices and a wide range of applications and services, including teacher evaluations, classroom collaboration, guest access, student information systems, Google Apps, scientific simulators, video streaming, and IP-based security cameras.

In the beginning, E-rate focused principally on telephone service, which was the most basic and universal way individuals communicated 20 years ago. While the focus on communication has remained, technology has changed radically throughout the past two decades. During this period, E-rate adapted by broadening the range of eligible services to include mobile phones, pagers, voicemail, email, school websites and basic collaboration tools.

As the program evolved, the definition of “new technology” grew increasingly inexact and complicated. It became clear that E-rate was in need of a refresh. Advocates for change, including legislators, the Federal Communications Commission and organizations such as ISTE and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), hoped to address the question: How do we increase internet bandwidth available to our schools and provide ubiquitous wireless coverage?

Practical questions to ask

To answer this question, we needed to both increase E-rate funding and stretch every dollar. In an effort to make dollars go further, three main objectives were identified:

1. Focus solely on digital transmission services and internet access.

2. Eliminate services, such as paging, voicemail, email, text messaging and web hosting.
3. Simplify the application process by only accepting electronic submissions.

Simply put, E-rate is now all about bandwidth.

After enacting these changes for the 2015-16 school year, the next move was to petition Congress for additional funding. Mission accomplished: The FCC approved a $1.5 billion E-rate increase, bringing the annual funding cap to $3.9 billion.

The new focus on connectivity is great, but now we must ask ourselves another question: “How will this connectivity improve learning outcomes?” In other words, what are we going to do with this bandwidth? The situation might be likened to a public utilities initiative to build huge infrastructure to get water into homes while neglecting the pertinent question of where we will get the water?

Our water is digital content, learning management systems, homework submission tools, live-stream video, all products and solutions that can impact learning. From a broader perspective, additional questions should be asked:

• What products and services support learning outcomes?
• What cloud-based services allow teachers and students to be more effective?
• How are we training teachers to deliver those outcomes?

When the lone goal of E-rate centers on bandwidth, practical questions like these don’t get answered. Bandwidth alone will not help create anytime, anywhere learners using technology geared to a student’s unique interests and abilities.

We should be excited about the modernization of E-rate. But when E-rate is all about bandwidth, practical questions about the products and services that will use that very same bandwidth don’t get answered.

Bandwidth on its own is not enough. We have to find meaningful ways to use that bandwidth to impact learning and to create anytime, anywhere learners.

Jeff Patterson is the founder and CEO of Gaggle.

A free tool from nonprofit EducationSuperHighway is intended to help district technology leaders compare broadband and connectivity information with other districts nearby and across the nation.

Compare & Connect K-12, which launched in beta in early 2016 and is now fully launched and available, displays public E-rate application data and lets users explore bandwidth speeds and compare broadband prices with school districts in a specific region or in any state across the country.

The goal is simple: transparency regarding school district broadband and bandwidth pricing data in an effort to help school districts get more bandwidth for their broadband budgets.

Schools need high-speed broadband and ubiquitous wi-fi to ensure all students have equal access to digital learning opportunities, advocates and stakeholder groups say.

Providing robust bandwidth today and ensuring scalability for future classroom needs is critical to enabling teachers and students to take full advantage of digital learning opportunities. While significant progress has been made, 21 million students across the country still lack the broadband they need to take advantage of digital learning.

(Next page: District success stories and highlights of the new tool)

School districts using the beta version of the Compare & Connect K-12 online tool have achieved significantly more bandwidth, often at little to no additional cost. Great Falls Public Schools in Montana leveraged Compare & Connect K-12 to compare the price the district was paying for its bandwidth with that of neighboring school districts. Armed with this knowledge, Great Falls was able to stay with its existing provider, negotiating within its long-term contract for 330 percent more bandwidth with only an 8 percent increase in monthly cost.

“Compare & Connect K-12 gave us unprecedented insight into other school districts’ cost to bandwidth ratios, which helped us discover that we could get much more bandwidth at nearly the same cost,” said Tom Hering, Director of IT at Great Falls Public Schools. “We leveraged this data to upgrade our bandwidth to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps), enabling more digital learning opportunities in the classroom to better prepare our students for today’s increasingly technology-centric world.”

Compare & Connect K-12 also acts as a resource for service providers, who are critical to finishing the job of upgrading America’s K-12 schools. Service providers can use Compare & Connect K-12 to identify school districts inside and outside of their service areas that need upgrades. Leveraging this information, service providers can identify opportunities to help schools upgrade within their existing broadband budgets and work to close the connectivity gap. Compare & Connect K-12 also recognizes service providers that are helping their school district customers meet the minimum connectivity goals in 100 percent of their districts and enables other service providers to pledge to do the same.

Enhanced Compare & Connect K-12 features in the full version include:

Revamped Comparison Tools: Comparison tools, leveraging maps and filters, enable school districts to view how their broadband service and prices equate to those of neighboring school districts, as well as other school districts across the state.

Directory of Service Providers: Useful data that allows school districts to find service providers that are offering better prices in their states and negotiate for a better price or more bandwidth.

Interactive State Maps: Detailed state maps provide state leaders with a comprehensive resource to search and compare connectivity across school districts – helping them to make sure that their school districts are meeting high-speed connectivity requirements and to bring access to school districts that have fallen behind.

Direct Link to RFPs (E-rate Form 470): Service providers can easily view school districts that have issued request for proposals in order to submit competitive bids for service.

“Armed with the knowledge of the services that other school districts can obtain with similar budgets, we’ve seen technology directors significantly increase their bandwidth, usually without an increase in cost, enabling school districts to make the most of their budgets,” said Evan Marwell, CEO of EducationSuperHighway. “Every student deserves equal access to reliable high-speed Internet access for digital learning, and Compare & Connect K-12 is helping school districts get one step closer to achieving that goal.”

To access Compare & Connect K-12, visit http://www.compareandconnectk12.org/ and type in the name of a state or school district to get started.

Material from a press release was used in this report.