FCC’s E-Rate Program Supports Schools and Libraries in Need

The E-Rate program brings affordable technology to underserved communities.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government whose mission is to regulate “interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations” (FCC).

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The Digital Divide and Its Impact on the Community

EveryLibrary describes the digital divide as “unequal access to technology in certain socioeconomic clusters.” I elaborated on this point in an earlier article I prepared for EveryLibrary: “A person’s socioeconomic status, age, other social demographics, and physical geographic location can all contribute to a person’s placement within this divide. Individuals within a single community do not share equal technical and financial abilities; individuals are, therefore, unable to gain equal access to available technologies.”

Given that digital literacy and access are becoming more essential with each passing year, the digital divide threatens a student’s readiness to enter the workforce or pursue a college degree. The FCC’s E-Rate program ensures that less privileged students are as prepared for the workforce as their peers. The program helps students access a wider range of digital learning opportunities and online educational tools. With improved connectivity, students can also engage in remote learning opportunities they may not have otherwise had access to without the support of the E-Rate program.

The digital gap is more prevalent in rural communities and Black and Hispanic communities in urban areas. The FCC created the E-Rate program to make telecommunications and information services more affordable for less privileged schools and libraries, offering discounts ranging between 20 and 90 percent. The FCC also provides a free Consumer Guide outlining the benefits available under the E-Rate program, as well as how the program works and answers to other FAQs.

There’s an even broader digital divide affecting individuals with disabilities. For example, one study by the PEW Research Center revealed that 19 percent fewer individuals with disabilities own a desktop or laptop computer compared to their neighbors. Other statistically significant differences between nondisabled people and persons with disabilities indicate that 16 percent fewer individuals with disabilities report having a smartphone. Approximately 18 percent fewer individuals with disabilities report having a desktop, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or home broadband compared to nondisabled individuals.

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Eligibility for the E-Rate Program

A library or school must meet certain criteria to be eligible for E-Rate program benefits. Some school residential facilities are also eligible for discounts. A library’s eligibility depends on whether it meets the definition of a library or library consortium, as defined by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and amended by the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (20 U.S.C. § 9122). The library must also be eligible for assistance from a state administrative agency.

It is important to note that the E-Rate program also supports schools for individuals with physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities or other medical needs and juvenile justice programs. Tribal schools are usually eligible to receive benefits from the E-Rate program, too. Schools where at least 35 percent of students are eligible for the National School Lunch Program are usually eligible as well. Tribal libraries may also qualify for support in addition to public libraries, academic libraries, and other library institutions, provided they meet the criteria.

The Eligible Services List (ESL), a guide for the E-Rate program, is used to determine which provisions schools and libraries are eligible for under the Schools and Libraries Program. The ESL is divided into three sections: Category One, Category Two, and Miscellaneous. This list is updated on an annual basis. (The ESL has a useful glossary, which is especially helpful for those less familiar with the terminology used in the ESL or E-Rate program.)

The E-Rate program is an essential tool for schools and libraries, but a limited amount of funding is available each year. The cap is based on demand, and if the $4.45+ billion cap is reached, schools and libraries with the highest rates of poverty will be prioritized over others.

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Why Is the E-Rate Program So Important?

The E-Rate program is essential because it helps less privileged libraries and schools close the digital divide in their communities, which is especially important for young people and those with disabilities. Other members of the public will also benefit if they utilize a public library or other library institution that is receiving E-Rate support. Unlike schools, libraries provide service to a wider scope of people because there is no restriction on age, reading level, grade level, or demographic, whereas schools are limited to serving those in the grade levels they teach.