The FCC is asking whether to end E-Rate. Every school, library, and community should answer.

#SaveOurERate

How to Take Action


Comment on the FCC's Proposal

The FCC is asking whether to end or limit E-Rate, the program that makes internet access affordable for schools and libraries. When the comment window opens, you'll be able to tell the FCC directly why E-Rate matters to you. We'll have templates, sample comments, and instructions on how to submit. Check back here to file your comment.

File Comment


Contact Your Elected Official

Use our partners' e-mail templates to tell your elected officials why E-Rate matters to you. Choose your community below to get started: Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), the American Library Association (ALA), and the School Superintendents Association (AASA).

Schools (CoSN)  Libraries 

 Schools (AASA)

Resources

Check out these resources to help you make the case for E-Rate:
Attend AnchorNets

Join us October 7–9 in Arlington, VA. You'll be in the room with the E-Rate experts tracking every development, alongside peers navigating the same uncertainty you are. The connections and lessons that come out of those conversations are hard to find anywhere else, and they matter more this year than ever.

Watch our Webinar Recording

The FCC released a draft proposal that asks whether E-Rate should be limited or terminated. This webinar will explain what the proposal says and what it could mean for schools and libraries.

The SHLB Coalition walked through the main parts of the proposal, how to file a comment with the FCC, what to include, and what resources are available to you.

Watch now to learn what is in the proposal and how to respond.

Watch Here!

How the E-Rate Program Works

  • E-Rate lowers the cost of the broadband, internet, and internal network services that schools and libraries buy. The support arrives as a discount on those specific purchases.

  • The discount is based on need. Schools and libraries serving more low-income communities receive larger discounts, ranging from 20% to 90% of eligible costs.

  • Funding covers only eligible services and equipment, and applicants must run a competitive bidding process to select their providers. The competitive bidding process ensures that cost is the primary factor in applicants’ choice of provider.

  • E-Rate does not pay for laptops, tablets, software, or digital content. The program supports connectivity and the network that carries it.

  • The program operates under an annual spending cap, and participants are subject to audits and oversight.

  • E-Rate supports more than 100,000 schools and roughly 11,000 libraries across the country, providing approximately $3 billion in discounts every year.

Support the Campaign Today!

E-Rate has never faced greater challenges, and we're strongest when we stand together with one voice. Your unrestricted gift gives SHLB the flexibility to respond quickly, fight effectively, and protect the connectivity our communities depend on. Donate today and ensure the future of E-Rate.

Donate Now

Thanks to our coalition partners who have provided leadership, E-Rate data, and resources to the campaign

Thanks to the organizations who have donated to the E-Rate campaign

Thanks to the individuals who have donated to the E-Rate campaign
Mei Qi Monroe County Library System 
Lisa J. Tissari Brewer Public Library
Lorrie Germann Education Plus, LLC
Walt Rode Russell Library
Lauren Abner Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
Cindy Cabral Tech Ed Services
Christine Morris Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
Julia Kelso Vista Grande Public Library
Chris Webber CRW Consulting
Tom Esselman Digital Equity Program Office of Greater Kansas City
Bretton Himsworth E-Rate Central
Alec Saturley Diocese of Grand Rapids
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