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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.
In this short video, Janell Tennyson shares expert insights on navigating the E-Rate program. Janell breaks down the essentials to help schools and libraries make the most of their E-Rate funding with confidence.
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.
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
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 LibrariesTo 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 is mandatory for any K–12 school or library receiving E-Rate discounts for internet access or internal connections.
Requires an Internet safety policy that includes technology protection measures to block or filter harmful online content such as obscene images, child pornography, and content harmful to minors.
Schools must monitor online activities of minors but are not required to track their usage logs.
Public notice and hearing are required before adopting the Internet safety policy, ensuring transparency and community involvement.
Compliance enables eligibility for federal E-Rate funds, supporting technology investments that expand digital learning and equity.
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.
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 | Security | Catalyst & | Catalyst & RoutersCisco E-Rate eligible routers deliver secure, scalable connectivity. |
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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.
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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. | |||
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.
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.
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!
Learn about the USAC E-Rate Program, available funding, discounts, eligibility, and more.
The E-Rate Eligibility Helpdesk offers expert guidance to ensure you’re maximizing your funding and selecting the right solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
