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NASPO  |   E-Rate Program  

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K-12 & LIBRARY REBATE PROGRAM

E-Rate Service Types

E-Rate funds the following service types: Data Transmission Services and/or Internet Access, Internal Connections, Managed Internal Broadband Services, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections. Discounts range from 20-90 percent of the costs of eligible services, depending on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status at the school district level. Eligible schools, school districts, and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium. Level of poverty is determined by the participation in the National School Lunch Program.

E-Rate Program

The E-Rate Program supports connectivity  which is the conduit or pipeline for communications using telecommunications services or the Internet. The school or library is responsible for providing resources such as the end-user equipment (computers, telephones, etc.), software, professional development, electrical capacity, and the other elements that are necessary to effectively use the requested eligible services and equipment. The E-Rate Program is one of four universal service programs funded through the federal Universal Service Fund (USF). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) appointed the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) as the permanent administrator of the USF and the universal service programs, including the E-Rate Program. The USAC is responsible for processing the applications for support, confirming eligibility, and reimbursing service providers and eligible schools and libraries for the discounted services.

E-Rate is not a “service” but a program;  therefore, there is no fee associated with this service. It is a value-add with our expertise in selling the eligible products to customers. Clients who choose a service provider for eligible services usually continue to maintain a relationship with their service provider for recurring services and revenue on a continuous basis. This can be a door-opener to other CherryRoad services.

Client Service Needs

As an authorized service provider in the USAC program since 1998, our team has the knowledge and expertise to provide the proper guidance and service delivery of the eligible products and services to clients, helping to ensure that funding will be approved.

• Full Application Processing - Once selected as an applicant’s service provider, our team can provide help when applicants file their Form 471, review its accuracy, and provide guidance during the review process.
• Personalize Attention - We provide reminders to clients regarding Form 486 to make sure their funding does not decrease due to a missed deadline. We also communicate all FCC and USAC E-Rate updates to clients and provide online training sessions.
• We Get Results - If an applicant has previously filed for E-Rate and was denied funding, we have the expertise and guidance to improve their chance of funding.

Benefit to the Customer/Client

E-Rate Program Benefits:

• Provides a means for reducing the costs of equipment and services; lowering overall budget for technology.
• Ensures that schools and libraries can obtain high-speed Internet access and telecommunications at affordable rates.

CherryRoad Benefits:

• CherryRoad has a proprietary, cost-effective SHARK UTM firewall that provides content filtering, which is a Category 2 service and meets the applicant’s criteria for the content filtering requirement established by the FCC and USAC.
• CherryRoad can provide the additional support to clients who are budget-constrained and have limited staffing to support these services.
• CherryRoad can provide multiple options and pricing for Internet and telecommunications services based on budget and long-term planning requirements.
• CherryRoad's accounting procedures have been established for the applicant to choose their method of billing by either paying for the services upfront and then receiving their reimbursement directly from USAC or we will bill the client for only their portion of the services and then collect the additional amount from USAC.
• CherryRoad can quote, provision, and troubleshoot with multiple vendors on the client’s behalf – just one phone call for assistance.

CherryRoad Credentials

• We have been an authorized service provider in the USAC program since 1998.
• Our sales and technical teams are familiar with the eligible products and services associated with the program and provide a high level of guidance to participants from a technical and administrative perspective.