eBook
Essential Guide to E-Rate Success
What changed, what’s eligible, and how to plan funding for K-12 and libraries— with Extreme’s cloud-managed networking built for education.
- 25+ years supporting E-Rate
- Thousands of schools served
- AI-powered cloud networking
Overview
Discover how your school or library can maximize E-Rate funding to enhance broadband and data networks. This guide highlights essential strategies for success with the E-Rate program.
- Understand the basics and modernization of the E-Rate program
- Identify eligible services and effective network solutions
- Learn from real school district case studies and customer successes
What’s Inside the Guide
- E-Rate history & modernization timeline
- Funding categories, budgets & discounts explained
- Eligible & ineligible services lists
- Case studies from K-12 schools & libraries
- How Extreme Networks solutions fit E-Rate
Download the eBook now to unlock in-depth insights and guidance for E-Rate program success.
FY2026 Budgeting — Funding Allocation Formula
Starting in Funding Year 2026, use these formulas to estimate your Category 2 budget and plan your E-Rate strategy.
How the 5-Year Budget Works (FY2026–2030)
For schools and school districts: (Enrollment) × $201.57 = total pre-discount budget for a 5-year period.
Example: 5,000 students × $201.57 = $1,007,850 pre-discount budget. If the district has an 80% discount rate, USAC would cover up to $806,280 (80%) and the district’s match would be $201,570 (20%).
For libraries: The calculation is $5.43 per square foot for all libraries (rural and urban). The per-site funding floor is $30,175 starting FY2026.
Discount rates: Calculated for the entire district (district enrollment ÷ eligible student count). Applicants can file per entity but must use the new district-wide discount.
- District-wide budgets
- Eligible Non-Instructional Facilities (NIFs) do not have pre-discount budgets; allocate NIF costs to benefiting entities
- Maximum Category 2 discount is 85%
- MIBS eligible for Category 2; multi-year contracts up to 5 years (support committed one year at a time)
- Applicants on multi-year contracts may file a streamlined Form 471 after the initial 470/471
- Competitive bidding still required for managed wireless
- Eligible managed Wi-Fi expenses include management and operation of the LAN/WLAN, installation, activation, initial configuration of eligible components, and onsite training (managed voice not included)
Estimates shown are for planning only; verify current rules, rates, and eligibility with USAC/FCC guidance.
Maximize Your E-Rate 2026 Funding with BlueAlly and Extreme Networks
Join the 5000+ school districts, public libraries, and K-12 educational institutions that are benefiting from Extreme Networks' expertise.
Why Work with Us for E-Rate?
Local Expertise, Global Technology
- Authorized Extreme Networks partner with deep E-Rate experience
- Local project management and technical support
- Direct relationships ensuring best pricing and priority support
Proven E-Rate Success
- Supporting institutions through $1.4B+ in E-Rate funding requests since 2015
- 25+ years of educational technology expertise
- 90–95% of recommended solutions qualify for Category 2 funding
Complete, Eligible Solutions We Deliver
- Extreme Platform ONE automation setup and training
- Universal Wireless and Wired Access deployment and configuration
- Extreme Fabric technology implementation
Ready to Maximize Your E-Rate Funding with Expert Support?
Our E-Rate and networking specialists are ready to help you:
- Navigate the complete E-Rate application process
- Identify the best Extreme Networks solutions for your needs
- Develop detailed project timelines and deployment plans
- Ensure compliance and maximize funding potential
- Provide ongoing support throughout implementation
Prefer to call? 833-335-0426 • [email protected]
Extreme Solutions That Fit
Universal Wireless & Wired Access
Ensure fast, secure connectivity across your campus with cloud-managed Wi-Fi and switching built for education.
Explore SwitchesExtreme Fabric Technology
Simplify management and segmentation with automation, zero-touch provisioning, and resilient networking architecture.
Platform ONE for Education
Unified cloud management with AI-driven insights and automation — optimized for K-12 and library deployments.
What Our Customers Say
Extreme Networks helped us modernize our infrastructure and maximize E-Rate funding — the process was smooth, and the results exceeded expectations.
— IT Director, K-12 School District
With BlueAlly’s support and Extreme’s technology, we’ve streamlined our network, improved student access, and gained long-term cost savings.
— Library Systems Manager
Ready to Maximize Your E-Rate 2026 Funding?
Our Extreme Networks and E-Rate specialists are here to help you navigate the process, identify the right solutions, and ensure your funding potential is fully realized.