E-Rate Archives

Edtech leaders see expanding roles as concerns over AI and cybersecurity increase

May 13, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Key findings in a new report highlight expanding role of edtech leaders amid rising AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity challenges.

If the Supreme Court decides Universal Service/E-Rate is unconstitutional, losing E-rate funding would have a catastrophic impact on the vast majority of school districts, according to CoSN's 2025 State…

E-rate Funding

Having E-rate insight can protect school tech

December 16, 2024 by Brian Stephens, Funds For Learning

With the right data, school leaders can make informed decisions that maximize their budgets through E-rate knowledge.

When the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program first emerged in 1996, only 14 percent of the nation's K-12 classrooms were connected to the internet.

E-rate Funding

E-rate funding supports essential learning at a critical time, survey finds

November 4, 2024 by ESchool News Staff

Federal E-rate funding remains an essential function in bridging the digital divide, particularly for rural and underserved communities, according to an annual report from Funds For Learning.

E-rate Funding

New E-rate rules could narrow the homework gap

October 17, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Lack of at-home internet access for many students perpetuates the homework gap--but a new E-rate action on wi-fi- hotspots can change that.

Learning is mobile--but how can schools provide reliable high-speed internet for students who need devices at home, but who lack connectivity?

Fact Sheet: Use E-Rate funding for managed solutions to drive student success

September 25, 2024 by Jeff Festa

As K-12 schools look to integrate cloud-based solutions, network complexity is also growing. Lean IT teams struggle to navigate ... Read more

Use E-Rate funding for managed solutions to drive student success

September 25, 2024September 24, 2024 by Jeff Festa

K-12 schools face persistent budget challenges related to today’s escalating technology demands. For more than25 years, the E-Rate program ... Read more

Internet Connectivity

Leveraging connectivity to tackle K-12’s biggest challenges

June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Reliable connectivity is essential for learning--discover how to ensure your district is ready to support digital learning in K-12.

Even before the pandemic, education leaders championed the necessity of strong internet connectivity in schools and communities. This need skyrocketed with the nation’s move to online and hybrid…

Innovation Insights

Funds For Learning Launches Survey: Shaping the Future of Connectivity

May 8, 2024May 7, 2024 by Kevin Hogan

Funds For Learning, the leading E-rate compliance services firm for schools nationwide, launched its 14th annual E-rate survey last month. ... Read more

Live @ CoSN2024

Raising Bids to Raise the Bar in Edtech

April 2, 2024March 28, 2024 by Kevin Hogan

A large part of CoSN’s mission is to participate in edtech-related policy discussions at both national and state levels. Their ... Read more

Leveraging E-Rate to transform learning

February 4, 2025March 18, 2024 by Jeff Festa

K-12 leaders have an opportunity to leverage the edtech investments they made in the shift to remote and hybrid ... Read more

E-rate Funding

E-rate insight protects school technology infrastructure

March 18, 2024 by Brian Stephens

When the Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program first emerged in 1996, only 14 percent of the nation's K-12 classrooms were connected to the internet.

E-rate Funding

The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

January 19, 2024 by Diamond McKenna, Co-Founder, Diamond Assets

Expiring ECF funding poses a substantial threat to the strides made in narrowing the digital divide in underserved schools and libraries that depend on the E-rate.

In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in education, the expiration of the E-rate program's Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) funding poses a significant threat to underserved…

E-rate Funding

E-rate applicants clamor for cybersecurity services

October 30, 2023 by Laura Ascione

Annual E-rate report sheds light on the program's processes--schools and libraries emphasize the importance of cybersecurity in the program.

An annual E-rate report reveals a strong consensus among respondents for cybersecurity services to be included in the federal program, considering their critical role in safeguarding educational institutions…

A charter school gets e-learning up to speed with a modern WiFi solution

February 4, 2025October 4, 2023 by Jeff Festa

The mission at The Academy of Hope, a public charter school for kindergarten through eighth grade, is to maximize ... Read more

E-rate Funding

Will cybersecurity receive E-rate funding?

December 12, 2023September 29, 2023 by Brian Stephens, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Funds For Learning

School IT leaders have voiced to the FCC the gap between what E-rate covers and the top challenges districts face--including cybersecurity.

Since 2016, more than 1,300 schools have been victims of cyberattacks, including student data breaches, ransomware attacks, email scams, and other incidents, according to a CISA report.

K-12 Cybersecurity

In cybersecurity, balancing vigilance with access

January 16, 2023 by Steven M. Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D.

Cybersecurity is essential for all organizations, but security cannot be valued more than usability

Cybersecurity is at the forefront of IT issues to be addressed over the next year. Nearly every list of major IT or educational technology issues for 2023 includes…

E-rate Funding

3 ways the E-rate program helps level up learning

December 5, 2022October 24, 2022 by Laura Ascione

Annual survey of E-rate applicants continues to emphasize the strength and reliability of continued federal funding to support the connectivity goals of schools and libraries

The federal E-rate program continues to provide expanded access to technology, including edtech tools, digital learning resources, and high-speed internet access, to schools, according to an annual report…

E-rate Funding

Why E-rate is critical for school technology access

December 5, 2022September 27, 2022 by Roger Sands, CEO and Co-Founder, Wyebot

Reliable, secure, affordable service is possible--and participating in the E-rate program is one of the best ways to ensure this service and wi-fi service

Every year, schools and libraries have access to billions of dollars of funding through the FCC’s E-rate program. Unfortunately, many don’t take advantage, oftentimes because of confusion over…

Leveraging E-Rate to transform learning

February 4, 2025September 26, 2022 by Jeff Festa

To realize the promise of digital learning, schools will need secure, reliable broadband networks. The federal E-Rate program can help; ... Read more

E-rate Funding

E-rate spending reveals schools’ tech evolution

December 5, 2022September 23, 2022 by Brian Stephens, Director of Client Solutions, Funds For Learning

Schools flock to the federal E-rate to bring internet into buildings; now leaders are using the funds to make sure student devices get online.

Schooling has changed in many ways in the last two years, but while remote learning, mask policies and increased federal spending in education have gotten lots of attention,…

Internet Connectivity

Why e-learning requires Wi-Fi optimization

December 5, 2022February 16, 2022 by Roger Sands, CEO and Co-Founder, Wyebot, Inc.

Edtech can support and promote student learning, but not without the support of a reliable and optimized district Wi-Fi network

Schools are officially in the age of technological learning. There are 1:1 programs, hybrid classrooms, free online learning platforms, eLearning applications and assessments, video collaborations, and the expectation…

E-rate Funding

The Everlasting Importance of E-Rate

December 5, 2022December 21, 2021 by Kevin Hogan

eSN looks at the latest on the federal E-rate program and delves into some of the best resources available to schools and districts

The 2021 E-rate Trends Report emphasizes the popularity of this essential program plus resources for districts to leverage

E-rate Funding

7 reasons E-rate funding is critical for schools and libraries

December 5, 2022December 17, 2021 by Laura Ascione

The federal E-rate program helps schools and libraries obtain discounts on services such as high-speed internet access, hardware and services, and more

Reliable high-speed internet access isn't a "nice to have" - it's absolutely essential for teaching and learning. Without reliable connectivity, students and teachers lose access to the digital…

E-rate Funding

3 reasons E-rate funding remains critical for school internet access

December 5, 2022December 9, 2021 by Laura Ascione

The E-rate program is a critical factor in ensuring schools and libraries are able to provide access to online digital resources.

The federal E-rate program remains a vital and trusted funding source to bring "mission-critical" internet access to schools and libraries, according to an annual report tracking trends and…

Using E-rate funds to enhance school networks

February 4, 2025June 1, 2021 by Jeff Festa

K-12 stakeholders saw the value of digital learning firsthand when schools shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic. Suddenly, teachers who’d ... Read more

Newsline

Funding Year 2021 E-rate Application Window is Now Open

January 19, 2021 by ESchool News Staff

School funding has always been a challenge, but a recession and pandemic have made it even more of a hurdle for many districts in recent years

Funds For Learning announces that the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) opened the E-rate filing window on January 15, 2021, and will ... Read more

E-rate Funding

E-rate report reveals dire need for off-campus internet

December 5, 2022November 5, 2020 by Laura Ascione

E-rate survey report receives unprecedented response, provides insights into dire need to fund off-campus internet connections

While E-rate remains a crucial program for schools and libraries to ensure connectivity, the COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to the need for increased flexibility and funds for off-campus…

E-rate Funding

6 ways the E-rate supports digital and mobile learning

December 5, 2022November 22, 2019 by Laura Ascione

Students work on assignments on a tablet as part of a school's digital learning initiative.

Education leaders expect school internet needs to increase over the next several years, highlighting the need for increased bandwidth and resources to support the growing demands on school…

E-rate Funding

How the E-rate and grants can help fund your edtech plans

December 5, 2022November 1, 2019 by Robert Low

Edtech experts in the know share how the federal E-rate, along with other grant programs, can make edtech dreams a reality.

As schools and districts strive to meet their existing technology needs and prepare for the future, access to federal and state funding, along with other grants, is making…

District Management

Here’s a must-do for E-rate applicants

October 29, 2018October 26, 2018 by Laura Ascione

Calling all E-rate coordinators--there is one important step you can take now to ensure a smooth process when the E-rate filing window opens in 2019. The FY2019 application…

District Management

3 tips for jumpstarting your district’s connectivity discussion

January 21, 2020March 26, 2018 by Evan Marwell

This year’s E-rate cycle may be over, but in order to be well prepared for the next one, now is the time to start the connectivity conversation with…

District Management

4 questions to ask about E-rate funding

January 30, 2018January 24, 2018 by Susan Biddle

Today’s K-12 schools are facing a complex web of needs, technologies and regulations. Digital transformation has led to an expectation by students and faculty of constant connectivity to…

Net neutrality repeal widens opportunity gap for students

July 2, 2018January 19, 2018 by By Amy L. Mcginn, The Baltimore Sun

This article is no longer available.

District Management

Most districts say E-rate is critical for internet access

November 1, 2017August 9, 2017 by Laura Ascione

A large majority of E-rate applicants (87 percent) said the federally funded program is vital to their internet connectivity goals, according to an annual survey that tracks program…

District Management

These schools are leveraging E-Rate for a complete digital transformation

October 31, 2017May 10, 2017 by Rich Nedwich

Textbooks and blackboards have become a thing of the past in K-12 schools as educators collaborate with IT teams to shape a full digital core curriculum as part…

District Management

3 ways a new E-rate funded technology is helping schools save

November 1, 2017March 13, 2017 by Content provided by AT&T

As schools near completion of their E-Rate filing for this year, one game-changing E-rate technology has the potential to save schools precious time and money. The technology--a new…

District Management

How does your district’s broadband stack up?

November 1, 2017January 4, 2017 by Laura Devaney, Director of News, <a href='https://twitter.com/esn_laura' target='_blank'>@eSN_Laura</a>

A free tool from nonprofit EducationSuperHighway is intended to help district technology leaders compare broadband and connectivity information with other districts nearby and across the nation. Compare &…

District Management

Innovative district expands access like never before using E-rate

November 1, 2017November 23, 2016 by Laura Devaney, Director of News, <a href='https://twitter.com/esn_laura' target='_blank'>@eSN_Laura</a>

Thanks to a major funding refresh, one district found that it's now possible to support its one-to-one initiative without scaling back access for other services or devices. Could…

District Management

Report: Schools expect faster internet within 3 years

October 27, 2016 by Laura Devaney, Director of News, <a href='https://twitter.com/esn_laura' target='_blank'>@eSN_Laura</a>

Seventy-two percent of E-rate applicants participating in a recent survey said wi-fi is critical to fulfilling their organization's mission. Twenty years after the Telecommunications Act of 1996 created…

Edtech leaders see expanding roles as concerns over AI and cybersecurity increase

Having E-rate insight can protect school tech

E-rate funding supports essential learning at a critical time, survey finds

New E-rate rules could narrow the homework gap

Leveraging connectivity to tackle K-12’s biggest challenges

Funds For Learning Launches Survey: Shaping the Future of Connectivity

Raising Bids to Raise the Bar in Edtech

E-rate insight protects school technology infrastructure

The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

E-rate applicants clamor for cybersecurity services

Will cybersecurity receive E-rate funding?

In cybersecurity, balancing vigilance with access

3 ways the E-rate program helps level up learning

Why E-rate is critical for school technology access

E-rate spending reveals schools’ tech evolution

Why e-learning requires Wi-Fi optimization

The Everlasting Importance of E-Rate

7 reasons E-rate funding is critical for schools and libraries

3 reasons E-rate funding remains critical for school internet access

Funding Year 2021 E-rate Application Window is Now Open

E-rate report reveals dire need for off-campus internet

6 ways the E-rate supports digital and mobile learning

How the E-rate and grants can help fund your edtech plans

Here’s a must-do for E-rate applicants

3 ways a new E-rate funded technology is helping schools save

Innovative district expands access like never before using E-rate

Report: Schools expect faster internet within 3 years

North Carolina District Wins ISTE 2025 Distinguished Award for AI Leadership and Parent Engagement Innovation

10 (and counting…) Google goodies for your classroom

ISTE Takeaways—What It Takes To Win the Impact Award

Look Who’s Talking—Bringing STEM Up To Speed

5 strategies to get your students talking

With AI coaching, a math platform helps students tackle tough concepts

First AI-Powered Special Education Management Platform Helps Districts Reach 100% IEP Compliance

Students Using Lexia Core5 Reading Outperformed Their Peers On the Smarter Balanced English Language Arts/Literacy Assessment

Otus Awarded Practitioner-Informed Design Product Certification from Digital Promise

Counslr Launches in Texas to Increase Access to Mental Health Support for Staff and Students

Ignite Reading Again Approved as 1:1 High-Dosage Early Literacy Tutoring Provider in Massachusetts

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