BlueAllyBlueAlly

Save up to 85% on Cisco Solutions for your School or Library

With E-Rate Funding, you can empower your classroom or library with cutting-edge technology and expert services—at a fraction of the cost.

Talk With an E-Rate Expert

What is E-Rate and How Can It Benefit Your School or Library?

The E-Rate program—administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the FCC—helps eligible schools and libraries reduce the cost of broadband and voice services by 20% to 85%. Established in 1997, this federally funded initiative is part of the Universal Service Fund, a $4 billion national resource committed to improving access to communication services.

Pay as Little as 15% for Cisco Solutions with E-Rate

Eligible K–12 schools and libraries can receive up to a 85% discount on Cisco networking solutions through the E-Rate program. This powerful funding opportunity allows institutions to modernize their infrastructure—covering broadband, internal connections, and basic maintenance—while keeping budgets in check. Don’t leave money on the table—maximize your E-Rate dollars and transform your network.

I represent a School or School District

Connect every student with confidence.

From hybrid learning to digital assessments, your network powers the future of education. Explore how E-rate funding—up to 85%—can help your district upgrade Wi-Fi, switches, firewalls, and more with Cisco and BlueAlly.

Cisco E-Rate for Schools

I represent a Library or Library System

Extend learning beyond library walls.

Whether you’re delivering Wi-Fi outdoors or simplifying IT across branches, E-Rate funding helps libraries invest in secure, scalable connectivity. Discover how Cisco and BlueAlly can help you unlock your system-wide budget and simplify compliance.

Cisco E-Rate for Libraries

Starting your E-Rate Journey

Getting started with E-Rate is straightforward when you follow the four key steps: assess eligibility, select the right solutions, file the necessary forms, and deploy your upgrades. By staying on track with the process, you can maximize your funding and modernize your network with support from Cisco and BlueAlly.

Discover

1. Check Eligibility

Use E-Rate discount matrix & C2 Budget Tool

Go to Tools

Select Products

2. Select Products

Browse eligible Cisco solutions & request a trial

Go to Solutions

Funding

3. Apply for Funding

File Form 470, then 471 after 28 days

Download Forms

Deployment Automation

4. Deploy Solutions

With support from BlueAlly and Cisco Partners

Contact an E-Rate Expert

Begin Your E-Rate Journey Now

Getting out front with the E-Rate application process is essential for maximizing your funding potential.

The filing window opened on July 1, 2025 and closes on June 30, 2026, so starting now allows your school or library to plan ahead, assess your technology needs, and prepare for the competitive bidding process. An early start ensures enough time to evaluate bids, choose the right vendors, and avoid last-minute rushes that could result in missed opportunities. By strategically aligning your technology goals with E-Rate funding timelines, you can secure the maximum available discounts, ensuring a smoother, more effective funding experience.


The Erate Application Steps


Try a Cisco Solution Before you Decide

Take advantage of Cisco Meraki’s equipment loan program, and test Cisco’s wireless access points, switches, and security appliances in your own environment before making a commitment. See how easy deployment and management can be, and ensure you’re selecting the best solution for your school or library’s needs.

 

 

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

Secure SD-WAN

Smart Cameras

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.

Lewisville School District's E-Rate Success with Cisco Technology

Discover how Lewisville School District transformed its network using E-Rate funding and Cisco solutions. Faced with an aging infrastructure, the district leveraged Cisco’s secure, scalable network solutions to enhance connectivity across its schools.

Read the full story here.
Lewisville

See How One Library Transformed Its Network With E-Rate and Cisco

Cape May County Library faced aging infrastructure and limited funds—until they tapped into E-Rate and Cisco Meraki. With strategic use of E-Rate discounts, they modernized their entire network, delivering fast, secure Wi-Fi across all branches.

Read the Succcess Story
Cape May County Library

Speak To An E-Rate Expert

Ready to transform your network with E-Rate funding? The time to begin is now. Unlock the discounts that will help you upgrade your school or 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