E-rate Funding

A great program but a lot of hassle!

In a nutshell... it's the only reason our

eRate Consulting Services exist.

Why CTI?

If you have filed in past years or are new to the eRate filing process, I'm guessing you're on this website because you're looking for a competent consultant who will minimize your time investment and charge a reasonalble fee for services. 

At the same time, you're looking for someone who is reliable and has years of experience in any processes that may come up during the cycle.  Presently CTI eRate Services are being used by schools in 37 states and our staff has been filing since the program began.

We work with all sizes of public, charter, magnet, private, Christian, Jewish and Catholic schools across the nation both as individuals and consortia.  Therefore, no "cookie cutter" mentality here.  I guess that is why we can boast that "first year clients" have seen an overall 7% increase to previous years of filing either on their own or with another E-rate Consultant.

Why are so many Schools going with CTI?

CTI has a two phase approach to assisting our clients in receiving the greatest value while using technolgy in the education process.

1. Have staff that know all stages of the filing process; including preparation, form completion,  finding potential funding opportunities missed earlier and ovesee any audit processes.
2. Have staff that understand the technology. Imagine having an eRAte  consultant that can also advise on building a fiber network, write RFPs, project management, compare technologies such as VoIP and TDM voice solutions.  To many times schools gett caught in the "title" wave and end up just going with flow and getting burnt.

Are things really getting easier?

You tell us?  With recent changes by SLD and other organizations to curb Waste, Fraud and Abuse of the Erate Program (see the SLD's latest reports here).  Service providers are telling us that one of the first questions they ask a district is "Are you filing for eRate yourself or using a e-rate consultant?  One vendor told me they highly recommend an eRate consultant.  I'm glad to say their are vendors and service providers that specifically recommend CTI eRate Services to their clients and potential clients.

Please take all the time you need to read as much as you wish fromthe exhaustive information available here or on other websites.

And when your ready to talk...

   Click Here For a Free e-Rate Consultation

The Qualifying Process
Schools need new technology to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing world. The E-Rate program provides up to $2.25 billion annually to qualified K-12 schools and libraries for qualified technology improvements. The amount is based on need and ranges from 20% to 90% of actual costs. The process can be complicated, but the rewards can be significant.  We can take the complexities out of the program for you, thus allowing your personnel to focus on the function of educating students.

The E-Rate program was established by the Communications Act of 1996 and is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of The Federal Communications Commission (FCC). CTI Communication Technologies and their associates has been working with the program since its inception and has helped schools and districts qualify for funds ranging from a few thousand to over $47 million to implement technology and improve education. We can assist with everything from the initial form submissions to the experienced project management required for district-wide network upgrades.

Many schools and districts lack the personnel and the time to investigate, request and implement the technology made possible by this program. We can help your district qualify for funding while assuring program compliance. CTI Communication Technologies can work with you to reduce current costs or to acquire new technology at greatly reduced costs.

Projects E-Rate Can Apply To:
E-Rate program funds can be used to discount such items as:

• Cabling and conduit

• Network switches and routers

• Internet Access Costs

• Local and Long Distance Telephone Charges

• Telephone System (PBX/Hybrid)
   

Eligibility List
For item specific list regarding what is and is not eligible for the present year try looking at the what is eligible list. This will access an entire list of erate eligible equipment and also a search engine for a specific item.

The work required to determine eligibility and file the required forms can be streamlined with our experience. These funds should be part of a long-term communications strategy for your school(s).

We Do It All
After the initial filing, CTI will help you with each step necessary for a successful filing for items under Priority One as well as Priority Two. We can even show you overlooked items that are eRateable as well as taking the most advantage of your funding eligibility.

• Developing a Technology Plan

• Filing Form 470

• Filing Form 471

• Posting Bids for Services

• Analysis of Qualified Bids Received

• Filing Forms 472 and 486

• Project Management on New Installations

CTI Can Help!

• Over 25 Years Experience in Applying for Federal Funding for K-12 Schools.

• Experience in E-Rate Analysis and Consultations since its conception in 1996.

• Over 10 years of Telephony Service and Equipment Analysis.

• Technology Plan Development (Click Here)

• Highly Respected for our Vision and Attention to Detail.

• Extensive Knowledge of Telecommunications Expenditures and Configuration.
  
  More Information on Developing Your Erate Plan Here