E-Rate and Telecommunications-Internet Access EquityAccountability Programs :

The federal E-rate and state Telecommunications/Internet Access Equity Aid program work together to provide financial support to schools to offset the costs of obtaining and maintaining the infrastructure needed for distance learning.

The federal E-rate program provides discounts, ranging from 20 to 90 percent, on telecommunications services, including Internet access. These discounts are offered to public schools, nonpublic schools and public libraries. E-rate discounts must be applied for annually through the Universal Service Administrative Company and the application requires an approved technology plan. Information on application procedures is available at http://www.universalservice.org/sl .

The state Telecommunications/Internet Access Equity Aid program provides funding to offset Internet access costs that are not discounted by E-rate. School districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools report actual costs for Internet access each year to MDE. Aid is then generated based on these actual costs. An application for reporting costs is sent out to all eligible organizations each year.