SINTON ISD

E-rate support is available for two main categories of services:

• Category 1: Services needed for internet access and data transmission, such as internet service, fiber optic connections, and wide area network (WAN) costs.
• Category 2: Internal connections that bring internet within schools and libraries, including Wi-Fi networks, routers, switches, cabling, and basic maintenance of these internal connections. Recently, the program has also expanded to include managed internal broadband services (MIBS) and even Wi-Fi on school buses.

Participation in the E-rate program allows our district to:

• Afford essential technology: By offsetting the costs of internet and network infrastructure, we can allocate more resources to other crucial educational needs.
• Improve internet access: E-rate funding helps us enhance our bandwidth and connectivity, ensuring reliable and high-speed internet for all students and staff. Studies show that E-rate funding significantly improves internet connectivity in schools.
• Enhance educational opportunities: With improved technology infrastructure, we can better integrate digital learning tools, online resources, and innovative teaching methods into our classrooms, ultimately enriching the learning experience for our students.
• Promote equity: Discounts are often higher for schools with a greater percentage of students from low-income backgrounds, helping to bridge the digital divide and ensure all students have access to the technology they need to succeed.

How does the E-rate process work?

1. Needs Assessment: We identify our technology needs and goals related to internet access and internal connectivity.
2. Competitive Bidding (Form 470): We submit a request for services (Form 470) to USAC, outlining our needs. This opens a 28-day period for service providers to submit bids.
3. Service Provider Selection: We carefully evaluate the bids received and select the most cost-effective service provider, with price being the primary factor.
4. Funding Request (Form 471): We submit an application (Form 471) to USAC, requesting funding for the selected services.
5. USAC Review: USAC reviews our application to ensure compliance with program rules.
6. Funding Commitment: If approved, USAC issues a funding commitment.
7. Service Delivery and Invoicing: The service provider delivers the services, and either the provider or the district submits invoices to USAC for reimbursement of the discounted portion.