Navigating the complexities of E-Rate funding can be challenging, but with Zayo Education as your partner, it doesn’t have to be. As a Top 5 E-Rate Service Provider, Zayo Education has helped over 19,000 K-12 schools across the U.S. secure the connectivity solutions they need to thrive. We’ve facilitated over $1 billion in E-Rate funding for our customers, empowering schools to bridge the digital divide and modernize their network infrastructure.
As we enter our third E-Rate season since acquiring Education Networks of America (ENA) in 2022, Zayo Education continues to redefine connectivity in education. Our team offers more than connectivity solutions — we forge partnerships with our education customers, aligning our mission with theirs to deliver unparalleled customer support and innovative technology. The Zayo Education team is well-versed in the complexities of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) guidelines and is poised to guide your institution through the process of securing E-Rate funding.
What is E-Rate?
For those new to E-Rate, let’s start with a quick rundown. The federal E-Rate program is a critical funding source for K-12 schools and libraries, enabling these institutions to access high-speed, reliable connectivity solutions. Using E-Rate funding, schools and libraries can modernize their networks and bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students and staff can access essential online resources.
For more information about the E-Rate application process and deadlines, visit USAC’s E-Rate Program Overview.
E-Rate Eligible Services
Each year, USAC publishes an Eligible Services List outlining the products and services qualifying under the Schools and Libraries Program. At Zayo Education, we provide a comprehensive suite of E-Rate eligible solutions including:
- Managed Firewall: Zayo’s E-Rate eligible Managed Firewall solution uses our resilient infrastructure to block threats at the source, maintain uptime, and minimize bandwidth strain. This robust, scalable security solution adapts to your school’s needs, ensuring continuous protection and network stability.
- Dedicated Internet Access (DIA): Backed by our expansive network, our DIA ensures your high-speed connections stay fast and reliable to support your school’s digital learning initiatives.
- WANs: Create reliable, private networks across various school sites. Our fully managed WAN solution supports diverse traffic needs, reduces costs, and simplifies management so your team can focus on education, not network complexities.
Key Updates for the Current E-Rate Season
FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program
In addition to the solutions above, a new pilot program was introduced this E-Rate season to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of K-12 schools and libraries. The FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Program received over 2,700 applicants seeking $3.7 billion in funds. However, only $200 million is available for Phase 1, highlighting the strong demand for increased cybersecurity in schools and libraries. The FCC plans to select a variety of applicants, including large, small, and rural districts. If the pilot proves successful, the E-Rate eligible services list will expand to include cybersecurity services.
This program, integrated with Zayo Education’s services, ensures that institutions benefit from top-tier security measures to protect their digital environments. Zayo’s E-Rate eligible cybersecurity solutions include:
- DDoS Protection: Our latest DDoS Report found attacks on education increased by 41% in the last year. Zayo’s Education’s network-based DDoS Protection proactively stops threats before they disrupt learning.
- Secure Service Edge (SSE): SSE is a cloud-based security solution that provides device-specific unified protection against cyber threats without physical hardware. It offers centralized control over security policies, ensuring every device, user, and data source is protected — on or off campus.
- Managed Firewall: With Zayo Education’s cloud-based Managed Firewall, schools and libraries receive round-the-clock protection that doesn’t require in-house security management. Our expert team can handle the complexity of managing firewall policies and updates, ensuring a secure, compliant, and seamless experience for the entire school community.
Final Year of Current Category 2 Budget Cycle
As we approach the fifth and final year of the current Category 2 Budget Cycle, it is important to note that unused funds will not carry forward to the next Category 2 Budget Cycle. Several tools are available to assist applicants in viewing and managing remaining C2 funds, including USAC’s Category 2 Budget Management Guide and Category 2 Budget Tool. Zayo Education experts are also available to help you maximize your remaining budget and set your district or library up for success with any of our E-Rate eligible solutions.
Empowering Education: E-Rate Success Stories in Kentucky and Pinal County
As a Top-5 E-Rate services provider, Zayo Education has facilitated over $1 billion in E-Rate funds for our customers, and the benefits don’t stop at funding. Zayo Education equips school districts and libraries with the network infrastructure required to support learning in a digital age.
Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)
When the Kentucky Department of Education reevaluated connectivity partners for the first time in 30 years, they sought a vendor with proven E-Rate expertise. David Couch, Chief Information Officer and Associate Commissioner of Education, explained, “Serving a corporation is different from serving K-12. ENA [now Zayo Education] stood out to us because of its history of focusing on K-12 and E-Rate in particular.”
KDE leveraged Zayo Education’s E-Rate expertise and robust network solutions to achieve 75% more bandwidth than their previous service at the same cost. The additional bandwidth has been instrumental for KDE, enabling smooth operations of their various cloud-based systems and supporting their growing technological needs for years to come.
Pinal County
Pinal County partnered with Zayo to establish an equitable learning environment for students at home and in the classroom. Through E-Rate and matched state funding, Zayo deployed over 320 miles of fiber in the area, delivering a continuous fiber network to every K-12 campus in the county.
With broadband access, we can revolutionize education, empower the economy, and improve the delivery of critical human services.
The new private, dedicated infrastructure in Pinal County paved the way for enhanced connectivity in community anchor institutions and at-home Internet. Peter Lin, Associate Superintendent of Technology at Pinal County Schools, emphasized the impact: “With broadband access, we can revolutionize education, empower the economy, and improve the delivery of critical human services.”
Transforming Digital Education
Zayo Education is committed to bridging the digital divide and advancing equitable access to digital learning. Whether you’re navigating solution eligibility or need expert advice on solutions for your school district, our team is here to support you every step of the way.