Second wave of E-Rate funding announced

Universal Service Administrative Co. last week notified more than 1,000 schools and libraries that they would receive funding for telecommunications access as part of a second wave of E-Rate funding.

Of the $15 million being provided in the new round of funding, about $5 million, or 35 percent, has been allocated for high-poverty, rural community applicants, providing these schools and libraries with 70 percent to 79 percent discounts on telecommunications services and Internet access.

The E-Rate program, established by the 1996 Telecommunications Act, provides 20 percent to 90 percent discounts on telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections for schools and libraries.