1.++History+and+Purpose

A Brief History of E-Rate Funding

 * E-Rate is a federal funding program that is the result of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
 * E-Rate is actually supported by a Universal Service Fee that the federal government charges telecommunications companies.
 * E-Rate is under the oversight of the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
 * E-Rate is designed to increase internet connectivity in k12 learning environments.
 * E-Rate allows schools and libraries to purchase telecommunication services, internet access, internal connections, and general maintenance of internal connections at discounted rates from approved vendors.

You can read more about the history and purpose of E-Rate Funding by clicking on any of the links below.

[] [] [] [] [] You can also check out this article that looks closely at how E-Rate has affected both teaching and learning.