As we enter the E-rate Funding Year (FY) 2025 filing window, schools and libraries have valuable opportunities to expand connectivity for students and patrons. Support is available for Wi-Fi on school buses, off-campus Wi-Fi hotspots, and Category Two (C2) funding in this final year of the current five-year budget cycle.
School Bus Wi-Fi: Keeping Students Connected on the Go
With Wi-Fi on school buses eligible for E-rate funding under Category One services, students can stay connected during commutes. This option is especially helpful for students who may lack consistent internet access at home.
Key Details for Schools Applying for School Bus Wi-Fi:
- Eligible Services: E-rate funding can cover data plans, routers, antennas, and installation costs for bus Wi-Fi. Note that maintenance and operation fees are not eligible.
- Cost Comparison: Schools will not need to compare the costs of providing school bus Wi-Fi to other technological approaches for providing connectivity at school.
- Usage Rules: Wi-Fi on buses should be used primarily for educational purposes. Schools should enable it only during normal bus hours or for approved educational activities, like virtual parent-teacher conferences or network issues. At other times, Wi-Fi should be disabled.
School bus Wi-Fi offers students the chance to make the most of their time on the road, accessing class materials, joining study sessions, or getting a head start on homework.
Off-Campus Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Program
Schools and libraries can apply for funding to support Wi-Fi hotspots for students and staff to use off-campus. This option helps bridge connectivity gaps, ensuring students have internet access when they need it most.
Program Details:
- Eligibility: School districts, independent schools, library systems, and independent libraries are eligible to apply.
- Funding Calculations: Schools and districts receive funding based on student numbers and discount rates, while libraries receive funding based on square footage and discount rates.
- Monitoring and Usage: Service providers track hotspot usage and notify applicants if a device hasn’t been used in the past 60 days. Hotspots with 90 days of inactivity may be shut off without early termination fees for lost or damaged devices.
By providing hotspots for students and staff, this program expands learning opportunities and supports community connectivity outside of school hours.
Final Year of the C2 Budget Cycle: Maximize Your Budget
FY25 marks the fifth and final year of the current C2 budget cycle, making it the last chance to use any remaining C2 funds from previous years.
Important Reminders:
- Budget Calculations: Each school or library’s C2 budget is based on student count or square footage, minus any C2 funds used over the past four years. Reviewing prior C2 spending will help ensure you’re making full use of the remaining budget.
- Minimum Funding Amount: Each school or library has a minimum of $25,000 in pre-discount funding over the five-year cycle, while Tribal libraries have a $55,000 minimum.
This final C2 year provides a great opportunity to make the most of your budget, enabling schools and libraries to strengthen their connectivity and digital resources.
General Tips for E-rate Applicants
- Competitive Bidding: All eligible services require competitive bidding unless exempt. Applicants should submit FCC Form 470 and observe the 28-day waiting period.
- Cost Allocation: For services with both eligible and ineligible components, allocate costs accordingly.
- Recordkeeping: Maintain records of all E-rate activities for at least ten years, including bids, invoices, and documentation proving compliance with program rules.
Funding Year 2025 offers several ways to support connectivity for students, staff, and patrons. With options like school bus Wi-Fi and off-campus hotspots, the E-rate program provides meaningful resources to enhance access.
