E-Rate

The purpose of the E-rate Policy Group is to support the underlying goals, administration, and implementation of the E-rate Program.

The Group additionally advocates for Program developments and advancements that reflect the evolving needs of E-rate applicants, stakeholders, and the communities they serve.  Members exchange information with each other to develop areas of interest and advocacy.

The SHLB E-rate Policy Group aims to develop new and influence existing Federal policies that impact the E-rate Program. Group members engage with each other and with others in the field to develop the expertise required for SHLB to advocate for these policies (through filings, meetings with policymakers, etc.).

The SHLB E-rate Policy Group provides a forum to exchange information to educate members about the E-rate Program and the evolving needs of schools, libraries, and their communities.

December Meeting Summary 

December 5 2024: Brian Stephens shared key insights from the 2024 Funds for Learning E-rate Trends Report, which found that 70% of E-rate applicants support the hotspot lending initiative.

Members also reviewed the timeline for the Supreme Court Consumers’ Research case, with briefs expected between January and March, oral arguments at the end of March, and a decision anticipated by June.

SHLB is tentatively planning a Capitol Hill fly-in on April 9-11 to advocate for the preservation of the Universal Service Fund.

Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are available to members here.

Focal areas of the group include:

  • Track the implementation of FCC-related Orders to ensure the Program achieves its underlying goals. Examples include:
    • Tribal Libraries program and E-rate Streamlining Order
    • Wi-Fi on School Buses
  • Advance policies that support:
    • Cybersecurity funding (through the proposed pilot program and long-term E-rate solutions)
    • Hotspots and other “to and through” measures to solve the Homework Gap/home connectivity
  • Provide support for the continuation of policies in “jeopardy” (such as fighting against constitutional challenges to the USF and Wi-Fi on school buses).
  • Ensure to provide an educational forum for members to track and understand E-rate Program-related topics. Examples include:
    • Developments related to the USF
    • Program compliance and audit-related procedures and issues
    • Latest FCC & USAC program updates (i.e., Commission and Board meeting updates)
May 2021
FCC ORDER
Establishing Emergency Connectivity Fund to Close the Homework Gap

December 2014

FCC ORDER
Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries		 October 2014
SHLB RESEARCH
A Model for Understanding the Cost to Connect Schools and Libraries with Fiber

July 2014
FCC ORDER
Modernizing the E-rate Program for Schools and Libraries
  • Brian Stephens, Senior Compliance Analyst, Funds for Learning
  • Jim Kerr, Principal, KB & Associates and E-Rate Profit Works

E-Rate Co-Chairs

  • Rachel Botts
    Rachel Botts
    Director of Technology Transformation and Senior Account Manager Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting (860)214-3385
    Co-Chair
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  • Julia Legg
    Julia Legg
    Consultant E-Rate Central (516)801-7881
    Co-Chair
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  • Kristen Corra
    Kristen Corra
    Policy Counsel SHLB Coalition
    Staff Contact
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