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E-Rate for Libraries

Unlock the power of E-Rate and transform your school or library’s network. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to upgrade your technology and ensure fast, reliable, and future-ready connectivity.

Talk With an E-Rate Expert

 

Empower Community Learning with Cisco + BlueAlly

Public libraries are more than information hubs—they are engines of digital equity, community engagement, and lifelong learning. Through the E-rate program, libraries and tribal libraries can access vital federal funding to modernize their technology infrastructure and expand broadband access. BlueAlly, in partnership with Cisco, makes this journey simple, strategic, and impactful.

What Is E-Rate?

The E-Rate program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), provides libraries with discounts of 20–85% on internet access, networking hardware, and maintenance services.ƒ

Old People Library

Who Qualifies?

For libraries that qualify for E-Rate, the opportunities are substantial. Whether you’re a public or Tribal library, understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step toward unlocking funding for network upgrades. Here’s what you need to know.

Public Libraries

Must be eligible under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), operate as nonprofit entities, and have endowments under $50 million.

Tribal Libraries

Qualify as of a 2022 FCC ruling, with added funding floors and discount eligibility up to 85%.

Tribal Woman

I Represent a Library or Library System

Your public, school, or academic library can receive up to $30,175 in E-Rate funding for smaller facilities. Private school libraries are eligible too. For larger libraries, your funding will be calculated using a multiplier system based on square footage or student enrollment. With discounts ranging from 20-85%, upgrading your network and improving connectivity is within reach.

Maximize Your E-Rate Funding

I Represent a Tribal Library

Your Tribal library is eligible for up to $66,385 in E-Rate funding, with discounts of up to 85%. This funding is designed to help you modernize your library’s infrastructure, expand digital access, and bridge the digital divide in your community. Let BlueAlly and Cisco guide you through the process, ensuring you make the most of this valuable funding opportunity.

Maximize Your E-Rate Funding

 

Why Apply?

E-Rate transforms limited budgets into powerful technology investments.

For libraries, that means the ability to offer reliable internet access, expand digital services, and ensure secure, high-performance connectivity—without compromising financial priorities.

Whether you’re upgrading aging infrastructure or expanding access points to serve patrons beyond your walls, E-Rate helps fund the Cisco solutions that make it possible. From high-density Cisco wireless to secure switching and SD-WAN solutions, these technologies are purpose-built for library environments and designed to scale with your community’s needs. With BlueAlly’s hands-on support and Cisco’s future-ready platform, applying for E-Rate isn’t just about compliance—it’s a strategic move to enhance services, improve digital equity, and invest in long-term operational resilience.

 

E-Rate by the numbers

$0 per sq ft

Library Budget Multiplier: Used to calculate your overall Category Two budget based on total library square footage

$0

Minimum Budget Floor (Libraries): Guaranteed minimum budget for smaller library branches

$0

Minimum Budget Floor (Tribal Libraries): Special funding floor reflecting higher support for Tribal libraries

The Smarter Choice for Libraries

Cisco E-Rate Solutions Designed to Suit Your Needs

Products available under Category Two funding include Cisco wireless access points, Catalyst switches, basic firewalls, and cloud-managed solutions for simplified administration and robust security. These technologies are designed to support everything from public internet access and digital literacy programs to secure staff operations and remote learning services.

Next-Gen
Wireless

Built for high-density public spaces with built-in analytics and traffic controls.

Security
Appliances

Basic firewall security and smart failover to keep your network secure.

Catalyst &
Switches

Scalable, intuitive, and easy to deploy.

Catalyst & Routers

Cisco E-Rate eligible routers deliver secure, scalable connectivity.

Meraki and Catalyst wireless access points support high-density environments like auditoriums, classrooms, and libraries. Built with education in mind, they offer seamless device roaming, advanced traffic shaping, role-based access control, plug-and-play deployment with centralized dashboard management, and Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E support.

Cisco’s eligible basic firewalls help schools meet Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements with simple-to-deploy, secure perimeter defenses. Products like the Meraki MX series offer built-in content filtering, traffic shaping, and intrusion prevention without requiring advanced configuration—making them ideal for resource-constrained IT teams.

 

Catalyst switches are built for the performance demands of modern classrooms. These enterprise-grade switches power everything from classroom tech to wireless access points. Cisco’s EDU SKUs come pre-bundled with up to three years of technical support and hardware replacement, eliminating the need for separate maintenance agreements.

 

Cisco routers serve as the reliable backbone for any school’s network. With secure, scalable performance, these routers ensure bandwidth efficiency, application visibility, and critical routing functions—all while meeting E-Rate eligibility. Cisco’s ISR routers offer integrated services and can be configured to support hybrid learning environments across multiple campuses with simplified security and management tools.

 

While browsing Cisco’s product selection, please remember to verify that any products you select are eligible for E-Rate funding. Eligible products typically fall under Category One (broadband and Internet access services) and Category Two (internal connections such as switches, routers, and wireless access points).

To confirm eligibility, check the E-Rate Product Eligibility Database or consult with your Cisco E-Rate advisor. Properly identifying eligible products ensures you can maximize your E-Rate funding and stay compliant throughout the application process.

Why Cisco + BlueAlly?

With Cisco’s unmatched breadth of E-Rate eligible solutions and BlueAlly’s expert E-Rate support, you gain a partner—not just a provider. We help you build a strategy before Form 470 is even filed, ensuring a smoother, more successful E-Rate experience.

Try Before You Buy

Cisco’s “Try Before You Buy” program gives schools and libraries hands-on access to Cisco hardware before submitting E-Rate Form 470. Experience the performance of Cisco wireless, Catalyst switches, and security appliances in your environment—risk-free. It’s the easiest way to evaluate, plan, and justify your E-Rate technology investments.

Contact an E-Rate expert today and discover how far forward your library can leap.

Talk to us About E-Rate

 

 

 

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Process

Speak To An E-Rate Expert

Are you ready maximize your E-Rate dollars and transform your network? The time to begin is now. Unlock the discounts that will help you upgrade your library’s technology. With expert guidance from Cisco and BlueAlly, we’ll help you navigate every step of the process—from eligibility checks to product selection. Don’t wait—secure your funding and start building a future-ready network now!

E-Rate Resources and Tools

Whether you're looking to check eligibility, understand the application process, or stay on top of important deadlines, these resources provide the information you need to make the most of your E-Rate funding.

Learn about the USAC E-Rate Program, available funding, discounts, eligibility, and more.

Read More

The E-Rate Eligibility Helpdesk offers expert guidance to ensure you’re maximizing your funding and selecting the right solutions.

Read More

The E-Rate discount matrix determines the percentage of cost schools and libraries can receive as a discount, ranging from 20% to 85%. The discount level is based on two key factors: the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and whether the institution is in a rural or urban area.

Learn More

The C2 Budget Tool helps schools and libraries calculate, track, and maximize their E-Rate Category 2 funding across the five-year budget cycle. It simplifies planning and ensures accurate allocations.

Run Your Budget Numbers

This tool will help you verify if the products you are considering are eligible for E-Rate funding. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us using the form below.

Check Your Product Eligibility

Download E-Rate Forms 470 and 471 directly from the USAC website to begin the application process. These forms are essential for securing funding and ensuring eligibility for your school or library’s technology needs.

Download Forms

To receive E-Rate discounts, schools and libraries must comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)—a federal requirement designed to keep students safe online.

CIPA for Schools

CIPA for Libraries