» E-rate
E-rate is a federal program of the Federal Communications Commission administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company that provides eligible kindergarten through grade twelve public schools and libraries 20 percent to 90 percent discounts on approved telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections costs. E-rate discounts are based on the number of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program. Schools and libraries in low-income urban communities and rural areas qualify for higher discounts. Although the E-rate application process can be difficult, every school district should consider applying for E-rate discounts.
» California Teleconnect Fund -CTF
While the E-rate program includes discounts for a wider range of telecommunications services, CTF offers discounts for measured business service as well as high bandwidth data lines. Although offering a smaller menu of eligible services, the CTF application process is simpler than E-rate. Applications for CTF discounts are submitted to the telecommunications carrier, who will submit the completed eligible application to the California Public Utilities Commission Telecommunication Division. When CTF discounts are approved, the telecommunications carrier will discount the telecommunications to the school.
For more information on E-rate and CTFvisit K-12 High Speed Network www.k12hsn.org/programs/erate/