The E-rate program plays a pivotal role in keeping communities connected to the Internet. In 2020, more than $99 million was requested for library Internet access and Wi-Fi equipment. As shown below, $24 million of those requests were for on-campus Category Two funding requests.
There are currently more than 10,000 library sites receiving E-rate discounted goods and services, including a near record number of sites receiving Category Two support. Funds For Learning President Cathy Cruzan recently participated in a Gigabit Library Network webinar discussing ways libraries can leverage the E-rate program to further community Internet access. The webinar can be viewed here.
Note: the number of sites receiving Category One discounts has declined due to the FCC’s phase-out of support for voice service.
