E-Rate K-12 IT Solutions - SPIN Number: 143026005
Transform Your Classroom
Full access to telecommunications and information resources enables rich teaching and learning in our schools. The high level of service required for students to engage fully, however, means a steep cost for learning institutions. The E-Rate Universal Service program makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for the K-12 educational community—providing discounted telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools.
Read on to learn more.
Read on to learn more.
E-Rate 2026: What CIOs Need to Know Now
E-Rate enters its thirtieth year with important updates that impact how districts plan, file, and fund infrastructure projects in 2026. From expanded Category 2 budgets to evolving eligibility guidance and compliance expectations, this year’s changes create both opportunity and risk. Even small oversights—such as contract timing or eligibility assumptions—can delay or deny funding.Don't let eligibility misunderstandings cost you! Our Education Funding Experts have outlined the key changes districts need to understand—and the steps to take now to maximize your investment while minimizing risk. Read this infographic for real examples and tips that will help you make informed decisions and boost your E-Rate success.
Getting Started with E-Rate
Our experts can help you gain valuable insight into E-Rate Funding and make the process of applying easier to understand—advising what you should consider beforehand and what to do afterwards. More specifically, we can help you:
- Request Bids for Service—Get started with E-Rate, explain the bid process, and provide competitive E-Rate pricing for the equipment and services you need.
- Apply for Funding—Apply for E-Rate program discounts, help you understand what information you need to provide USAC about the services you are requesting, and the discounts for which you are eligible.
- Invoice USAC After Receiving Services—Understand your invoicing options, including leasing with E-Rate, the right forms to fill out, and the next steps after your funding is approved.
Maximize Your Funding with Us
Watch our video series and learn how Connection® Public Sector Solutions and our partners are committed to helping you with all your E-Rate needs.
How Connection and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Can Assist You—Episode 3
HPE Aruba knows what challenges schools face in their quest for mobility, and Connection knows how to help you find the funding you need to secure new technology. Watch our video to learn how you can increase bandwidth, improve learning, and boost your infrastructure.
Blogs Featuring E-Rate
Read this blog to learn more about securing E-Rate funds for your school, with a helpful overview of funding categories, eligible IT equipment, and more.
Read this second part of this blog series to get the full story on your responsibilities and learn how to bridge the gap between grant funds and your budget.
Learn how your school can justify technology in your budget and free up dollars for E-Rate.
As you get ready to apply for E-Rate funding, be sure you are up to date on the eligibility requirements.
Ready to apply for E-Rate? Here's the first step in the process. Read our complete series on applying to learn more.
Gain a better understanding of the E-Rate application process with Step 2: evaluating bids.
Our expert takes you through Step 3 of the E-Rate application process: applying for funding—plus how to submit any necessary changes.
In this part of our E-Rate funding series, our expert takes you through the next step and what happens after you’ve submitted your paperwork.
Before you flip the switch and get connected, there are some forms to fill out. Read part 5 of our series to learn what to do before logging on.
In part six of our E-Rate funding series, our expert makes sure you know how to set up your invoices correctly.
TechSperience Podcast
E-Rate Changes, Deadlines and How to Get Started
There has been no more important time in the history of our schools and libraries to take advantage of all the E-Rate program has to offer. Listen in as we discuss how the E-Rate program has evolved over the years and recent changes you need to know. Find out about approaching deadlines and exactly what E-rate funding can be used for. Connection expert Tom Halberda walks you through the motions and tells a few E-rate stories you’ll want to hear.
The Future of E-Rate
E-rate funding has transformed the ed tech landscape in schools. The federal program has been modernized many times, and new changes are being discussed and debated. District Administration conducted a survey about this topic, asking administrators how they have used E-rate funding, what was challenging about the process and what changes they would support. View this infographic to see the results.
Featured Partners
Please explore our partners below to learn about vendor products and solutions for E-Rate funding.
