Information Technology Services
E-rate Management System

Introduction

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 established requirements to provide discounted telecommunications services to K-12 schools and libraries. In response to this Act, the FCC issued the Universal Service Order on May 8, 1997, implementing a discount plan for schools and libraries. Contributions from telecommunications companies provide discounts of 20-90% on the cost of telecommunications, Internet access, and network wiring within library and school buildings. The discounts are paid directly to the companies that provide libraries and schools with these services. JPS e-rate discounts range between 80-90% depending on the percent of eligible students at the school.

E-rate makes technology such as phone service and the Internet affordable for every library and school in the U.S. by providing discounts on eligible services. Libraries and schools in low-income urban communities and rural areas qualify for the highest discounts to assure that every American, regardless of age, income, or location, has access to the essential tools of the Information Age.

CIPA

The Children's Inernet Protection Act (CIPA) requires schools and libraries to enforce a policy of Internet Safety in order to receive discounts for Internet Access and Internal Connections services under the universal services support mechanism. Among other requirements, the school district must certify that computers used by students or adults in a school setting make use of a filtering or blocking technology that protects these users from certain depictions that may be deemed "harmful to minors".

JPS E-rate Funding History

JPS E-rate Funding History

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