Wi-Fi Hotspots & Wi-Fi for Buses/Bookmobiles

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E-Rate Funding 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.

How does the E-Rate program work?

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:

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.

 

E-Rate Update

Wi-Fi Hotspots Potentially Removed as an E-Rate Eligible Solution

On May 8, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted to remove hotspots from E-Rate funding eligibility. The House has not yet voted on this measure. 

Rest assured that even if hotspots are removed as an eligible service, Kajeet will honor the E-Rate data plan pricing which we previously quoted you.

Connecting Communities

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.

 

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

Now that school bus Wi-Fi is eligible for E-Rate program support, it has become an invaluable tool for schools to leverage to address the digital divide experienced by students and patrons. And because it's such an invaluable tool, it's imperative that you know what to look for in a school bus wifi solution.

That's why we made the School Bus Wifi Critical Requirements Guide. Download it now and use its handy checklist to help you sort out what is absolutely critical in school bus wifi. 

Bridging the Digital Divide

Kajeet E-Rate
Eligible Solutions

School Bus Wifi Case Study

Farmington Municipal Schools

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.

Tips for Filing Your Form 470

KAJEET-ICON-SMARTBUS-WIFIKeep these tips in mind for filing Form 470:

  • Be as specific as possible when describing your requested services.
  • 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.

Any Questions?

How can Kajeet solutions 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.

And because every Kajeet solution comes with the award-winning Sentinel management and reporting platform included, you can also be assured that any 470 audit requirements can be easily met:

Sentinel is included standard with all Kajeet solutions. Big deal? Watch this:

 

We'd love to answer your E-Rate questions.

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.