Bridging the Digital Divide

Navigating the E-Rate Process for Schools & Libraries

Schools and libraries are perennially faced with funding shortfalls. Programs like E-Rate, however, offer funding that can be used to offset technology funding challenges. We've been working with schools and libraries for years to bridge the digital divide, and we're pleased to provide you this E-Rate information to help you get your students and patrons connected easily and affordably.

Learn About E-Rate

How does the E-Rate program work?

SmartSpotKit_2024_v2_fnl The program subsidizes eligible schools and libraries by providing discounts on certain telecommunication services, internet access, and related technologies. These discounts range from 20% to 90% depending on the level of need and location of the institution.

Every E-Rate funding request falls into one of two categories. Read on to learn more about E-Rate funding categories.

What are the E-Rate Funding Categories?

Category 1 covers telecommunications which includes services that directly support broadband connectivity to the internet. This category encompasses:

Data Transmission Services: This includes services like broadband internet access, leased dark fiber, and lit fiber, which are essential for providing high-speed internet connectivity.

Category 2 covers internal connections and basic maintenance of internal connections. This category focuses on infrastructure within the school or library building to support network connectivity. It includes:

Internal Connections: This includes equipment and cabling necessary to provide Wi-Fi within the school or library. This can encompass routers, switches, wireless access points, and other networking hardware.
Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections: This includes the necessary upkeep and maintenance of internal network infrastructure to ensure its continued functionality.

Wi-Fi Hotspots are Now an E-Rate Eligible Solution

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted in favor of expanding its E-Rate program to include Wi-Fi hotspots for schools and libraries, a historic decision that will help to significantly close the digital divide. This announcement is another key milestone of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s Learn Without Limits initiative, which also includes funding for school bus Wi-Fi and a pilot program for cybersecurity.

Kajeet is an industry leader in providing connected EdTech connectivity solutions, including our SmartSpot devices. SmartSpot solutions allow you your choice of network, and come with CIPA-compliant content filtering and reporting and lifetime support.

About E-Rate

EdTech funding

The E-Rate program provides discounts on telecommunications and technology services to eligible schools and libraries. This funding can be used to support a wide range of technology initiatives, such as Kajeet SmartBus® school bus wifi, broadband internet access, wireless networking, and more.

How to get started with E-Rate funding

If you are interested in using E-Rate funding to support your technology initiatives, the first step is to file Form 470. Once you have filed Form 470, you can begin to receive bids from potential service providers. Once you have selected a service provider, you can submit an FCC Form 471 to request funding.

E-Rate Funding Deadlines

erate-process-chart

Learn More About Kajeet SmartBus

Form 470 FAQS

What is Form 470?

FCC Form 470, also known as the Description of Services Requested and Certification Form, is the first form that must be filed by a school or library in the E-Rate application process. It is used to describe the telecommunications and technology services that the applicant is seeking funding for.

Why is Form 470 important?

Form 470 is important because it allows potential service providers to see what services are being requested and to submit bids accordingly. It also serves as a public record of the applicant's needs, which can help to ensure that the bidding process is fair and competitive.

When should I file Form 470?

Form 470 must be filed at least 28 days before the close of the FCC Form 471 filing window for the funding year in which services are requested. This gives potential service providers enough time to review the requests and submit bids.

How do I file Form 470?

Form 470 must be filed electronically in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC). To access EPC, you will need to create an account and log in. Once you are logged in, you will be able to create and submit a new Form 470.

What information is required on Form 470?

Form 470 requires applicants to provide a variety of information, including:

The applicant's contact information
The types of services that the applicant is requesting
The location of the services
The estimated cost of the services
A timeline for implementation

Ask us your E-Rate and Form 470 Questions

E-Rate Webinar Video

Watch this informative segment from E-Rate expert Jim Kerr as he discusses the E-Rate application process. Want to watch the whole webinar, which goes into detail on not only E-Rate but also school bus wifi, content filtering, and much more? Request your free access to the full webinar recording here.

Kajeet E-Rate Eligible Solutions

Now that Wi-Fi hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi for off-campus use are eligible for E-Rate program support, it has become an invaluable tool for schools and libraries to leverage to address the digital divide experienced by students and patrons.

Add link to Hotspots Critical Requirements Doc >>

Add link to SmartBus Critical Requirements Doc >>

Kajeet SmartBus Case Study

Farmington Municipal Schools (FMS) is large rural school district in New Mexico with 21 schools and over 11,500 students, many of whom have school bus commutes of over an hour each way.

Download this case study and learn how FMS uses Kajeet SmartBus school bus wifi to extend the classroom, to eliminate lost learning time on the long school bus commutes, and to help fight digital inequality for its diverse student population.

Download the Case Study Now >

Tips for filing Form 470

Keep these tips in mind for filing Form 470:

Be as specific as possible when describing the services that you are requesting.
Include all relevant information, such as the location of the services, the estimated cost, and the timeline for implementation.
Proofread your Form 470 carefully before submitting it.
If you have any questions about the Form 470 filing process, you can contact the USAC E-rate Help Desk for assistance.

Questions on how Kajeet solutions can meet your Form 470 needs?

Kajeet is a leading provider of managed mobility services for education and libraries. Kajeet offers a variety of solutions that can be used to support digital equity initiatives, such as:

School bus Wi-Fi and bookmobile Wi-Fi
Mobile broadband internet access
Managed Wi-Fi
Content filtering and security solutions

Kajeet also offers a variety of E-Rate-eligible solutions to help schools and libraries get the most out of their E-Rate funding. Kajeet can help schools and libraries with the Form 470 filing process, and Kajeet can also provide E-Rate funding consulting services.

Managed Connectivity Solutions for Education

WiFi hotspots for students

Kajeet SmartSpot Devices

WiFi hotspots that can be used on-campus or signed out to students. SmartSpots have multi-carrier connectivity, are fully filterable to block selected websites, and ship ready-to-use.

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WiFi-Connected School Buses

Kajeet SmartBus®

WiFi-connectivity for school buses that allow monitored, managed student internet access on the way to and from school or any other time that students are on a SmartBus WiFi-enabled bus.

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Manage Student Connectivity

Kajeet Sentinel®

Create and manage a secure online environment for all your devices with device management, web filtering, firewalls, advanced malware detection, and filterable per-account and per-user usage reports.

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Efficient, secure networking

On-Campus Private Wireless Networks

The ultimate in security and efficiency, with low cost and high ease of use. Frost & Sullivan calls our private network solution “an obvious choice for school districts around the world.”

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Built-in WiFi

LTE-embedded Chromebooks

With one portable device, tech teams can ensure students have access to the tools they need to engage with a digital curriculum outside the classroom.

Learn More

Contact Us About E-Rate Eligible EdTech

Find out how our decades of experience in managed connectivity in an educational setting can help you, and why Frost & Sullivan call Kajeet “an obvious choice for school districts around the world.” Contact us today for questions about Form 470, E-Rate, and EdTech, and tell us about your needs.