Thank you for visiting the revised E-Rate and New York State Libraries section!
The pages in this section have been revised to support accessibility and improve navigation. We hope that these changes help guide users to important information about securing affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services for their libraries.
Please take some time to check out the revisions. You can let us know what you think about these changes by sending a message to nysldigital@nysed.gov.
In 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Universal Service Order implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Order, commonly referred to as "E-Rate" (Education Rate), ensures that all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. The E-Rate Program provides funding to eligible public libraries and public library systems, not-for-profit special libraries, and reference and research library resources systems.
From 1998, the first year of the program, to 2023, New York State libraries have received a yearly average of $10 million, for a grand total of over $257 million from the E-Rate program. As of January 2024, New York's libraries have received over $9.7 million for Fiscal Year 2023. This funding helps libraries purchase affordable advanced telecommunications services, Internet connectivity, and internal connections to meet the information needs of New Yorkers — critical infrastructure in today's information-rich world.
Sponsored by the New York State Education Department and provided by E-Rate Central, this website contains resources, news, information, and assistance for New York State libraries and schools applying for E-Rate, including the current NYS Valid File. This page also contains a link to sign up for E-Rate Central’s weekly newsletter specifically for New York State applicants.
You can find information on upcoming and past training workshops provided by E-Rate Central. Additionally, please use the "Recorded Webinars" link on this page to browse past trainings hosted and maintained by the NYS Library.
Homepage of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers E-Rate. Access the EPC Portal, manage EPC accounts, and view training resources and application information. Also check out USAC’s helpful deadline calculator.
Review the most recent National School Lunch Program data for New York State applicants.
This is an E-Rate discussion list for New York library and library system staff who file E-Rate applications, assist those who do or who are considering applying.