For more information contact:
Micah Rigdon Saul Hafenbredl
Funds For Learning C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
405-471-0989 608-216-7300, ext. 25
[email protected] [email protected]
E-Rate Demand Grows As More Districts Seek Higher Broadband Speeds
Data analysis from Funds For Learning reveals new insights into applicant needs
Edmond, Okla. (May 29, 2014) – Demand for E-rate funding continues to grow across the country, with the most growth coming from Rural and Rural Remote applicants. Funds For Learning, the nation’s largest E-rate consulting firm, provided this insight from its analysis of all Funding Year (FY) 2014 E-rate applications submitted by schools and school districts.
The analysis reveals requests for proposals for Internet access and Wide Area Networks services have continued to shift to higher broadband speeds. The number of unique participating vendors, which were listed on applications for internal connections and maintenance, has continued to drop, which suggests less competition in that space.
“Historic change is coming to the E-rate program. The FCC is considering proposals to reform and modernize the E-rate, bringing about the most significant changes to the program since its inception,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning. “To help the FCC and other stakeholders make informed decisions about the future shape of the program, Funds For Learning has prepared a detailed analysis of FY2014 school demand for telecommunications and Internet discounts.”
On May 15, 2014, USAC released the first FY 2014 funding wave. Of 10,134 applicants, 38 percent received funding decision letters. In all, $607.3 million in telecommunications and Internet access discounts was committed. USAC also issued denials totaling $22.8 million.
The complete analysis is available in a recent whitepaper from Funds For Learning.
About Funds For Learning
Funds For Learning, LLC, is an E-rate compliance firm specializing in guiding E-rate applicants through the E-rate regulatory process and is an advocate for the use of educational technologies and student Internet access. Formed in 1997, Funds For Learning provides professional advice and assistance relating to the E-rate program to clients in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.FundsForLearning.com or phone 405-341-4140.