Hi everyone,
I apologize in advance for the lengthy email!
First, let me say this is all preliminary information. I do not yet have specifics, but I want to give everyone a head’s up with what I can tell you for now.
I’m sure by now, you have all heard of the $7.1 billion that is set to be available to schools and libraries through the E-Rate program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The FCC is in the process of creating rules about how this money will be used and distributed.
I don’t have specifics yet of exactly *how* these funds will be distributed, but USAC is going to be distributing available funds through their E-Rate program. I hope to have the rules and more information about the mechanics of the distribution around May 10th or 11th, when the FCC posts the official rules.
WHAT WE KNOW…
What types of technology could I get with these funds?
* Laptop computers, tablet computers, or similar end-user devices capable of connecting to the internet (Wi-Fi hot spots, modems, routers, devices that combine a modem and router and other connected devices)
* Advanced telecom and information services (broadband and internet access)
How much can I be reimbursed?
* 100% of costs associated with eligible equipment/services (no discount matrix)
* Costs “may not exceed an amount the FCC deems reasonable” (we don’t know what that is yet)
How can I apply for my library?
* The funds will be distributed via the E-Rate program.
Will these funds be distributed in the same way as the regular E-Rate funds?
* We are hoping that USAC will be able to streamline processes (bidding, forms, etc.) and that this will be an easier process than regular E-Rate filing, but we don’t know yet.
I’ll want to apply to receive some of these funds, but I’ve never participated in E-Rate before. How do I get started?
1. First, you’ll need to obtain an FCC Registration Number. You can do that by following the simple steps here.<https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn>
*If it’s been a long time since your library participated in E-Rate and you’re not sure if you already have an FCC Registration Number (FRN), let me know and I can check*.
1. Next, you’ll need to contact the Client Services Bureau (CSB) at 888-203-8100 and obtain a BEN (billed entity number) for your library or consortium. *Please see here<https://www.usac.org/e-rate/applicant-process/before-you-begin/consortia/> for additional details about consortia (for library systems with branches). Here is the information you’ll need on hand to have the CSB create an entity for you:
* Entity’s Legal Name
* Physical Address
* Mailing address or P.O. Box, if different than physical address
* County name
* Telephone number
* Organization type: independent library, library system, consortium, child library entity
* If you are a library that is part of a library system, be prepared to provide the library system entity number to link the library appropriately to its parent entity (i.e. main branch to other branches)
* Organization sub-types i.e. public, private, religious, Tribal, new construction, etc.)
* Email address for the EPC account administrator (must be an employee of the entity organization)
* FCC Registration Number (for all entities)
* Square footage of library buildings receiving discounted service (note if they are the main branch in a system)
1. Then, you’ll need to contact the CSB for them to create an EPC (E-Rate Productivity Center) user account for you. For further information about EPC (and instructional videos), click here.<https://www.usac.org/e-rate/resources/e-rate-productivity-center/>
Why are you telling us all this?
If you don’t already participate in E-Rate, now is the time to set up an account and be prepared for when we DO know specifics about how these funds will be distributed. I want you to have every opportunity to get set up ahead of time and be ready to apply to receive funds, if you wish.
What if I need to update any of my contact information or other information in my EPC portal?
You can do that now! EPC profiles are currently unlocked and can be updated.
I’ll keep you posted with further updates as they become available.
All the best,
Liz
Liz Thigpen Schreck, Director
Ocoee River Regional Library
State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries
Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett
718 George St., NW, Athens, TN 37303
Phone (423) 745-5194 – office; (423) 649-1583 - direct
Regional Toll Free - (855) 692-8186
Fax (423) 649-1501
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