The Federal Communications Commission is conducting a broad review of the E-Rate program, and its initial public comment period closes on October 13, 2026. E-Rate is likely to get more attention in education and national news in the coming weeks. Teachers, administrators and other district employees may hear about the review without much background on what E-Rate is or how it supports their schools.
This month, the Digital Trust Hub gave members materials to share that background with colleagues:
- A one-page flyer, Importance of E-Rate, that explains what the program is, what it supports, what it doesn’t fund and why it matters to educators
- An email template for sending the flyer to district employees, in Word and Google Docs formats
What the flyer covers
Since 1997, E-Rate has helped eligible schools and libraries pay for internet access and the network infrastructure that carries it through their buildings. A district’s discount level depends primarily on student economic need and its urban or rural classification under program rules.
The flyer lists what E-Rate supports: internet service, Wi-Fi access points, connections between school buildings, network switches and routers, and firewalls and eligible security hardware. It also lists what E-Rate doesn’t fund, such as student laptops and tablets, classroom software and subscriptions, technology staff salaries and general-purpose classroom equipment.
Although a district’s technology or business office usually manages E-Rate, its impact reaches the whole school day. The connectivity it supports carries learning platforms, online assessments, accessibility tools, student information systems, family communication, safety systems and daily operations.
Informational, not advocacy
The materials are written for employees without technical expertise or prior knowledge of E-Rate. They explain that the program is under review and that significant changes are being considered, and that no final decisions have been made. They don’t ask employees to take a political position or to participate in advocacy.
Members can customize the email with their district’s name, local examples or details about how E-Rate supports connectivity in their own schools. The month’s message: E-Rate often operates behind the scenes, but it’s part of the financial and operational foundation that keeps schools connected.
See E-Rate’s impact in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania E-Rate site shows every funded applicant in the Commonwealth, by ZIP code, name or intermediate unit region.