E-Rate

ALERT:  Emergency Broadband Benefit launches on May 12

FLYERS and APPLICATION ASSISTANCE at http://connect-arizona.com. Learn more about how libraries or other trusted organizations can help spread the word about the EBB in this short video: Emergency Broadband Benefit for Libraries

What is the program about:

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is program to help families and households to get affordable internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new, but temporary program, will provide eligible households (eg those on SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Pell grants,  Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit or have lost their job or income)  a temporary subsidy of up to $50 per month on Internet service, or $75 per month for those living on Tribal lands. The EBB may also provide eligible households a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop or tablet computer. More details at http://getemergencybroadband.org

E-rate Application Process

E-Rate is the single largest technology related funding available to Libraries and Schools focusing on the most urgent need—closing the Wi-Fi gap and level the playing field for education and learning. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made available $3.9 Billion to the E-Rate Program on an annual recurring basis. Reimbursements are based on the National School Lunch Program percentage and can be as high as 90 percent. E-Rate is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a not-for-profit administrator of the Universal Service Fund through the Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program with guidance from the FCC. FCC took major steps to modernize and streamline the E-rate program Click here to read more about E-rate Modernization.

Arizona State Library together with Arizona Department of Education is working with libraries and schools to make the most of the E-Rate dollars available to them. In addition to discounts that they are already eligible for over the next two years, FCC has provided up to 10% additional funding for Broadband buildout, provided it is matched by State funds. Arizona State Library and Arizona Dept. of Education worked with Corporation Commission to secure $8 Million for the next two years for Broadband build out to rural schools and libraries.If you wish to upgrade your bandwidth, please contact your State E-rate Administrator for the procedures.

Arizona Public Library Wi-Fi availability

• Click here to check the locations where WiFi is available.

COVID-19 Related E-rate Federal Relaxations / Activities 

• FCC Rule Relaxations

Arizona State Broadband STRATEGIC PLAN

• Arizona Statewide Broadband Strategic Plan (PDF)

Arizona State Broadband Initiative

Arizona Broadband Initiative – State Matching Funds

Arizona State Library together with Arizona Department of Education is working with libraries and schools to make the most of the E-Rate dollars available to them. In addition to discounts that they are already eligible for over the next two years, FCC has provided up to 10% additional funding for Broadband buildout, provided it is matched by State funds.

Impact of E-rate in Arizona

Since the program began in 1998, Arizona libraries have received more than $124 Million in E-rate reimbursements. Because of the reimbursements Libraries across Arizona have been able to upgrade their bandwidth, pay the recurring cost of internet access as well as upgrade wiring and internal connections. The increased bandwidth has enabled them to provide all kinds of programs, including job searching, GED testing, college prep, and code clubs. The extra bandwidth can also make it easier for patrons to access the internet with their own devices in the library.

Category Two

Category Two consists of Internal Connections, Managed Internal Broadband Services, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections. The highest discount level for Category Two services will be 85 percent. Federal Communications Commission (FCC ) piloted some changes for the period 2014- 2019.  On December 3, the FCC released the new order making permanent some of the changes and modifying others based on stakeholders’ comments. This was for 2021 onwards.

Major Changes for 2021: A number of ALA’s recommendations were adopted in the FCC final order, which includes changes intended to encourage more libraries to apply for their share of the $4.15 billion program. Changes that will take effect in the 2021 funding year include:

1. The funding floor will increase from the initial $9,200 to $25,000, which should make a real difference for small libraries deciding whether to take on the application process.
2. There will be a single square-foot formula of $4.50 for all libraries urban or rural—a significant improvement for small libraries, but short of the current $5.32 for larger libraries.
3. The five-year budget cycle will be adjusted for inflation at the start of each five-year period rather than every year.
4. The budget will be made at the library system (and school district) level instead of at the individual library branch which allows the County Librarian more flexibility in spending on the main library and branches.

Category 2 Contracts for AZ:  E-rate eligible Master Contracts are available through Mohave Educational Consortium Mohave Educational Services Cooperative Inc. The contracts to look for are with Camnet (18K-ELITE-1109), Logicalis (19B-ELOG1-0307), Nvision (19B-ENVIS-0307) and Vector USA (19B-EVECT-0307). FCC Form 470 #190015932; contract valid until 9-7- 2023. Please open links with Internet Explorer.

Attached is the Mohave Member Handbook. Pages 14-15 discusses E-Rate procurement process. 

Summary of C2 Contracts: C2 Contracts

Denying funding for network equipment which poses a threat to national security FCC passed a new order prohibiting USAC from funding for network equipment which poses a threat to national security. Initially, both Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation are designated as being covered under the prohibition. (See Order paragraph 1). The Rulemaking is looking at funding the replacement of equipment already in place.

FY 2020 (a transition year) Guidelines

• Extends the five-year Category 2 budget trial for FY 2015-2019 to six years by adding 20% to all total budgets for FY 2020. All “trial” budgets will expire at the end of FY 2020 (i.e., no carryover into FY 2021).

  Schools: $163.02 + 20% = $195.63 per student
  Rural libraries: $2.49 + 20% = $3.00 per square-foot
  Urban libraries: $5.43 + 20% = $6.52 per square-foot
  Minimum: $9,998.69 + 20% = $11,998.43 per entity