Welcome to the E-Rate Helpdesk
E-rate Modernization = Unprecedented Opportunity for Applicants
The E-rate program offers $8 billion in category 2 discounts to K-12 schools and libraries over the 5-year budget cycle. Because of the E-rate Modernization Order and the additional funds, it is now possible for all schools and libraries that qualify for the E-rate program to use some funding for their digital initiatives.
Important Eligibility Information
Eligibility information on this site is subject to the following:
- This data is applicable to Funding Year 2015 through 2025 only. For eligibility information for Funding Years 2014 and prior, please contact the Helpdesk.
- The eligibility information on this site is valid for funding requests in the Category 2 funding categories only.
- The eligibility information on this site is based on technical functionality of the components only. Applicant-specific deployment factors will determine final eligibility, including how a product is used, installation location, user population served, cost-effectiveness, and other E-rate regulatory requirements.
- E-rate discounts can be provided on installed and operational components only - services for spare parts inventory or redundant/failover components are not eligible for discounts at this time.
- Remanufactured products have the same eligible percentage as the new part. For part numbers ending in -RF, please refer to the part number of the new product for determining eligibility.
E-rate Hardware and Software Allocation Eligibility for Cisco Services
E-Rate support is available for basic maintenance of internal connections (BMIC) and technical support appropriate to maintain reliable operation when provided for eligible broadband internal connections. With Cisco products, BMIC generally includes any unbundled service/warranty sold in addition a product or license.
A Cisco or Meraki service is normally a combination of TAC support and RMA (return of product or service). RMA is considered an ineligible “unbundled warranty” by the E-rate program. When Cisco sells a hardware Service/Warranty, we extend TAC support and hardware return to the customer. There are several types of services in Cisco. Service SKUs are categorized by type and service level. Within the E-rate space, the most common Cisco service program types are:
- • SMARTnet Total Care (SNTC)
- • Success Tracks
- • Solution Support (SOLN SUPP)
- • Software Support (SWSS)
Notes:
- • Cisco or Meraki Hardware Replacement only (RMA) Warranties separately priced (unbundled warranties) are not eligible for E-rate.
- • If services/warranties are combined with online/telephonic TAC, software upgrades and patches including bug fixes and security patches, they are partially eligible after a fair value for the RMA warranty function is removed (hardware allocation).
For E-rate Funding Year 2025, Cisco service SKU Levels will have a standard percentage to cost-allocate the value of RMA functionality. These allocations will be available on the E-rate Helpdesk portal database and will be linked directly to their supported product. In the interim, please use the following guidance to assist your organization with Cisco Service Eligibility.