About E-Rate

The E-Rate – or, more precisely, the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism – provides discounts to assist schools and libraries in Utah and throughout the United States with obtaining affordable telecommunications services and Internet access. Four service categories are eligible for funding: Telecommunications, Internet Access, Internal Connections, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections.

The E-Rate Program supports connectivity – the conduit or pipeline for communications using telecommunications services and/or the Internet.  Applicants for E-rate funding are responsible for providing additional resources; such as, end-user equipment (computers, telephones), software, professional development, and other elements that are necessary to effectively make use of that connectivity.