The E-rate ‘Fear Less’ Technology Infrastructure
Before you begin the RFP process, it’s important to explore the technology infrastructure (specifically what’s eligible in Category Two) as defined within the E-rate program by Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) and how each relates to the E-rate funding process.
Episode 4: The E-rate Fear Less Technology Infrastructure
On the fourth episode of the E-rate Fear Less series, Holly Davis dives further into the program and reviews other options school districts have in building a secure, future-proof network with the E-rate program.
At a high level, E-rate Category Two technology in three primary pillars. Category Two components are those that relate to cyber security solutions, hardware, software and other services. For more details about E-rate categories, please review the 2019 Eligible Services List (PDF).
| Technology | Function |
| Broadband Internal Connections (IC) | On-premise solution internally managed; equipment may be owned or leased. |
| Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS) | Managed service solution owned, leased or hosted in the cloud. |
| Basic Maintenance of Broadband Internal Connections |
Support for the IC solution. |
| Source: 2019 Eligible Services List (PDF) | |
E-rate Category 2 technology funding with SonicWall
School and campus networks range in size and manage different types of sensitive data. Mitigating potential weak points in the network — and the data that can be targeted — is no easy task for standard IT teams that haven’t undergone extensive cyber security training. SonicWall network and cyber security solutions meet the needs of school districts at the highest efficacy — all at price points that fit within K-12 budgets.
If you are utilizing E-rate funding to assist you in buying your networking and cyber security solutions, SonicWall can help. Our team of E-rate funding experts ensure your SonicWall solution aligns with the rules and regulations of the E-rate program.
SonicWall Security as a Service (SECaaS) is an alternative solution for schools that do not have a large capital outlay to invest in a future-proof security solution or a dedicated IT team trained to manage cyber security.
“Security-as-a-Service provides more flexibility,” said Jenna Burros, Director of Business Services, at the Calistoga Joint Unified School District in California. “It is such an improvement to be able to have enough control to differentiate various levels of accessibility.”
Under Burros’ guidance, the California school district upgraded the flexibility and granularity of its existing content-filtering solution, while also keeping costs at minimum — a key obstacle for K-12 organizations regardless of E-rate eligibility.
With the most comprehensive channel program in the industry, combined with additional E-rate discounts, SonicWall and its partners are best positioned to meet the needs of K-12 customers and help them take full advantage of the funding E-rate provides for securing their networks.
If you are an eligible K-12 organization, please contact your preferred SonicWall reseller for information on E-rate benefits and discounts, or visit the SonicWall E-rate page for information, tools and guidance.
E-rate Episode Video Series for K-12 School Districts
- Episode 1: An Explanation of E-rate
- Episode 2: Navigating the E-rate Program: Forms, Filling Cycles & Rules
- Episode 3: The E-rate ‘Fear Less’ Solution
- Episode 5: Frequently Asked Questions: The E-rate Program
What is E-rate?To help offset funding and staffing shortages, the U.S. Department of Education and the FCC launched the E-rate program, which helps make telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools, campuses, districts and libraries. The E-rate program is operated by Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), which has a core focus of providing underfunded organizations access to affordable technology and security services. This includes schools, libraries and rural healthcare organizations. USAC provides a yearly Eligible Services List (ESL), which outlines which types of products and services can be procured via E-rate program discounts. |
Applicant Steps & Resources
Prep: Before You Begin Resources provided by USAC |
Webinar: How K-12 Districts Use Wireless Security to Protect Students, Faculty and Staff
Safeguarding K-12 networks is a delicate yet critical undertaking. Register for our unique webinar, which brings together a panel of experts from security, networking and education to outline how districts can expand wireless security to the edge — even without firewalls.
