K-12 Internet Service (E-Rate)
Our E-Rate team assists customers in completing and filing the documents for the federal E-Rate program, and ensures that customers receive their E-Rate funds they qualify and are approved for. The E-Rate program was created as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. It allows K-12 schools and public libraries to receive funds for Internet access and telecommunication services.
Our clients are responsible for the following:
- Develop an approved technology plan reflecting the requested services on E-Rate applications
- Comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act
- Complete required E-Rate documents, which include requested funding amounts, budget information, free and reduced lunch numbers, and school enrollment figures
Benefits
- E-Rate eligible entities can potentially obtain funding for 20 to 90 percent of their cost for Internet access and telecommunication services.
- Purchasing through DIT means you have access to management of and contract pricing for Internet access and telecommunication services.
Customers
- K-12 schools and public libraries that purchase Internet access and telecommunication services from DIT
- Department of Public Instruction (DPI), which purchases circuits for the state K-12 network
How Do We Charge?
We provide this service at no cost to our customers.
Next Steps
Before contacting us for assistance, we recommend that you view information about the federal E-Rate program at the following sites:
- Schools and Libraries Division, Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) — provides current information, as well as online application forms
- What is E-Rate?, DPI — provides information for North Carolina K-12 schools
- Universal Service E-Rate Discount Programs, State Library of North Carolina (SLNC) — provides current E-Rate discount rates for North Carolina public libraries, as well as guidelines on how to develop a technology plan
To take advantage of our service, contact our Service Desk at 919-754-6000 or 1-800-722-3946, or file a service ticket in the NCDIT Service Portal to the E-Rate team. Indicate whether you need E-Rate assistance for Internet access or telephone service. An appropriate member of our team will contact you to discuss your needs.
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