Quest E-Rate Solutions

How Quest can help

Quest is an E-rate service provider with SPIN #143005814. We can provide product or services as needed. As an E-rate consultant, Quest can assist with eligibility, RFP drafting and preparation, and reporting to help you procure solutions efficiently.

What is E-Rate?

Based on the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the E-rate program to provide schools and libraries affordable access to advanced telecommunications services. The E-rate program, also known as the Universal Service Schools and Libraries Program, is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

To receive E-rate discounts, schools and libraries must competitively bid all eligible services on the USAC E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) website and, after a minimum of 28 days, select the most cost-effective proposal. Schools and libraries then apply for E-rate discounts. If approved, schools and libraries receive discounts through direct discounted bills or the reimbursement process.

Discount Calculation

Your school or library can receive an E-rate discount of 20 to 90 percent depending on its location (i.e. in an urban or rural area) and the economic needs of your students. The level of economic needs is determined by the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This information (location and economic needs) can be used to determine the school or library’s discount by using the E-rate Discount Matrix.

To calculate your school’s or library’s E-rate discount, you must determine the percentage of students by school who are eligible for the NSLP. Eligibility criteria is based on whether or not a student's family falls within the income eligibility guidelines of NSLP; not on a student’s participation in NSLP.

Participation Basics

Funding may be requested under two categories of service:

• Category One services include Data Transmission Services and/or Internet Access.
• Category Two services include Internal Connections (IC), Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS), and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (BMIC).