The 2024 E-mpa Annual Meeting was held on September 16, 2024, in Dallas Texas. The meeting brought together experts and consultants in the E-rate program to share important updates about internet access for schools and libraries. All who attended learned a lot about what’s changing in the industry and how we can better support schools and communities through the E-rate program.
What We Learned
A big takeaway from the meeting was that E-rate is still mission critical. Over 94% of schools and libraries said E-rate funding is necessary to keep their internet running smoothly. However, the cost of keeping up with technology is rising, and schools and libraries need more support to stay connected.
Industry News
This year, cybersecurity was a hot topic. The FCC has started a new pilot program to help protect school networks from online threats. Many schools and libraries are interested in joining this program. We also heard about the growing need for Wi-Fi on school buses and ways to help students connect to the internet from home with hotspots.
Best Practices
One of the best ways to avoid problems with E-rate funding is by being detailed and specific on the procurement and on the applications. Service providers like CDW stressed the importance of including all necessary information, such as specific parts on the Form 470, to make sure there are no delays in getting funds or signing contracts.
Takeaways
Looking ahead, the E-rate program will need to grow to meet the rising demand for internet services. Costs are going up, and schools need more tools, especially in cybersecurity. By working together—schools, libraries, consultants, and service providers—we can ensure that these critical resources continue to help students and communities.
We are excited to keep supporting schools and libraries as they adapt to these changes. Together, we can ensure that students have the internet access they need to learn and succeed.
Learn more about E-mpa at https://e-mpa.org.
