REAL E-rate Requirements
The National Education Rate Program (E-rate) is a federal program designed to provide telecommunications discounts to qualified schools and public libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has regulatory authority over the program. The FCC has appointed the day-to-day administration of the program to the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). E-rate funds a significant portion of MOREnet services provided to members of the REAL Program. It is important that members respond to MOREnet requests for various related forms and eligibility information in a timely fashion.
The E-rate program provides a number of provisions for a member to be qualified for participation in the E-rate program. Information about those provisions may be found at www.sl.universalservice.org or by contacting MOREnet’s E-rate specialist at (800) 509-6673.
As part of our annual E-rate application, the SLD requires collection of Letters of Agency (LOA) as acknowledgement that MOREnet is requesting E-rate discounts on certain services acquired on behalf of qualified public library members. Information regarding the collection of this information will be provided in advance.
For any E-rate program year commencing after July 1, 2008, public library members are required to:
- Provide an acceptable LOA,
- Submit SLD Form 479 annually,
- Meet or maintain E-rate eligibility requirements or
- Otherwise comply with E-rate provisions.
Failure by a member to meet these requirements may result in lost E-rate discounts to the REAL Program, and the member will be required to reimburse MOREnet for any lost E-rate discounts.
Technology Planning
A Technology Plan is no longer required for Internet access as a part of the REAL program. However, a Technology Plan is still required to receive discounts on Priority 2 services (internal connections) under the E-rate program.