E-Rate technology for K-12
Schools and Libraries
Maximize your share of E-Rate funding for Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond.
2026 E-Rate Guide: Understanding E-Rate
Claim federal discounts on broadband and network infrastructure to build faster, safer, and more connected learning environments.
The E-Rate program is a federal funding initiative that provides eligible schools and libraries with discounted access to telecommunications, internet, and internal networking infrastructure. With over $5 billion available annually, this program supports digital equity and connectivity for students and communities nationwide.
Discounts range from 20-85%, depending on need-based criteria such as poverty levels, urban or rural classification, and service types requested. Institutions can apply individually or as part of a consortium during the designated application period each year.
Download the 2026 E-Rate Guide below to learn about the future of education technology, the funding acquisition process for the next budget cycle, and more information on how Cisco and BlueAlly can help you every step of the way.
E-Rate Process: Steps & Timeline
Stay on track with key forms, school information, and deadlines.
Transformative Tech: An Overview
Connected Classrooms. Secure Campuses. Empowered Learning.
Cisco’s Comprehensive Product Portfolio and BlueAlly’s integrated supports power inclusive learning experiences for all students.
Enhance student education with cloud-managed Wi-Fi and integrated security—E-Rate eligible and built to scale. Boost teacher productivity with upgraded networks, enable seamless collaboration beyond the classroom, and lay a strong digital foundation with Cisco’s bundled, all-in-one networking and security solutions.
With Cisco’s unmatched breadth of E-Rate eligible solutions and BlueAlly’s expert E-Rate support, you gain a partner—not just a provider. We help you build a strategy before Form 470 is even filed, ensuring a smoother, more successful E-Rate experience.
Education Technology: Expanded
Explore the full range of use cases that Cisco products and services can help you address more effectively.
Product Bundles Designed for K-12 Education
Products available under Category Two (C2) funding include Meraki wireless access points, Catalyst switches, firewalls, and cloud-managed solutions for simplified administration and robust security. These technologies are designed to support everything from public internet access and digital literacy programs to secure staff operations and remote learning services.
Success Stories
E-Rate for Libraries
With deep expertise in eligible technologies and regulatory compliance, Cisco and BlueAlly guide libraries through every step of the E-Rate process, from budget planning to deployment.
Whether upgrading internal networks or expanding Wi-Fi beyond library walls, Cisco’s powerful, E-Rate eligible solutions and BlueAlly’s strategic support ensure libraries get the most from their funding— efficiently, confidently, and in line with their mission.
E-Rate for Tribal & Rural Communities
Tribal libraries and schools are eligible for enhanced E-Rate support, including a higher funding floor of $66,385 and discounts up to 85% on eligible Category Two services like wireless access points, switches, and basic firewalls.
Cisco and BlueAlly provide guidance through every stage— from identifying funding opportunities to ensuring compliance with CIPA requirements and deploying network solutions that meet local needs.
Resource Hub
Infographics & At-a-Glance
Empower your E-Rate success with digestable education & E-Rate guides.
Cisco & E-Rate: FAQs
The E-Rate program, managed by the FCC and USAC, provides discounts of 20–85% to eligible K–12 schools and libraries to improve connectivity. Discounts apply to services such as Internet access (Category 1) and internal network infrastructure (Category 2) like switches, routers, and wireless access points.
- Category One: Internet access and data transmission services.
- Category Two: Internal connections (e.g., switches, routers, wireless access points), managed broadband services, and basic maintenance.
- Funding Floors:
- The Category Two funding floor for smaller schools and libraries has been increased from $25,000 to $30,175.
- For Tribal libraries, the fundling floor has been adjusted from $55,000 to $66,385.
- Budget Multipliers:
- For schools and school districts, the Category Two multiplier has increased from $167 per student to $201.57 per student.
- For libraries and library systems, the multiplier has been adjusted from $4.50 per square foot to $5.43 per square foot.
Cisco solutions eligible under Category Two include:
- Meraki cloud-managed switches and wireless
- Catalyst 9K series switches with DNA-Essentials
- Basic firewalls
Products must be deployed at eligible sites and used for broadband access.
The optimal time to engage is before Form 470 is filed—typically in the Fall, as the filing window opens in January. Early planning allows for budgeting, partner selection, and trialing Cisco gear before bidding restrictions begin.
Yes! Cisco partners like BlueAlly offer tools, consultations, and guidance throughout the application process —including help with CIPA compliance, budget planning, and selecting eligible technologies.
Visit https://www.cloudwifiworks.com/ or contact your BlueAlly representative for tailored E-Rate guidance and product recommendations.
We’re here to help.
E-Rate can be confusing. Let us help you on your journey.