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Helping schools and libraries get connected through E-Rate.

Education Rate, or E-Rate, is an ongoing federal program that helps provide schools and libraries with internet access at affordable rates. Learning happens almost everywhere—stay connected whether you're inside a classroom, at libraries, or during transit.

OVERVIEW

E-Rate services

Take advantage of eligible Wi-Fi services.

What’s included

When you partner with T-Mobile.

The program

Expand internet access with E-Rate.

Why T-Mobile?

For the experience your students deserve.

E-RATE SERVICES

Eligible Wi-Fi services from T-Mobile.

Fixed Wireless Internet.

Experience unlimited data designed to scale with your school.

Students work independently on desktop computers while a teacher checks their work.

Wi-Fi on school buses.

Enjoy affordable connectivity on the go with America’s largest 5G network and unleash learning beyond the classroom walls.

Three grade-school students ride a Wi-Fi-connected school bus and share their work on a mobile device.

Hotspot Checkout Program

We're here to work with you to close the digital divide by providing access to hotspots and low-cost internet to schools and libraries.

A higher-education student smiles to the camera with a laptop and other students by her side.

Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks, including data prioritization.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Partnering with T-Mobile for Education means your connected schools and buses include these critical features:

Wireless connectivity

eSIM support and unlimited data.

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Content filtering

Education-grade content filtering for all devices attached to the Wi-Fi network.

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Appropriate hardware

Ruggedized hardware with an operating temperature range of -30° to 70° C.

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Flexible contracting

Multi-year contract availability and the flexibility of a one-year term with extension.

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THE PROGRAM

Expand internet access inside and outside of the classroom with E-Rate.

Learn about E-Rate.

The federal E-Rate program helps schools and libraries receive funding for eligible equipment and connectivity services. Visit the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) website to learn more.

Apply for funding.

Learn more about the application process and how to collect competitive bids, choose a provider, submit your application for review, and collect reimbursement post-approval. Get started here.

Choose T-Mobile.

Confirm T-Mobile 5G internet is available at your location. Then, to select us as your E-Rate provider, list our service provider identification number (SPIN) on your Form 471.
For U.S. locations (except Puerto Rico): 143026181
For Puerto Rico: 143029059

Maximize your connectivity.

Regardless of your hardware provider, choosing us as your connectivity partner means unlocking dedicated 24/7 support on America's largest 5G network. Expand your experience—choose superior connectivity today.

WHY T-MOBILE?

Because your students deserve a great Wi-Fi experience backed by America's largest 5G network.

We're here to keep you connected, wherever learning happens.

Connectivity is knowledge—and opportunity—for students, families, and communities. Our world-class team of former educators and administrators helps schools meet their unique connectivity needs and provides ongoing support.

Learn more

Coverage not available in all areas.
Students work together in a library with a mix of pencils, paper, and a laptop computer.
RESOURCES

Helpful resources on E-Rate.

Get started with E-Rate.

Find everything you need to know about E-Rate—from account set-up, to FCC forms, to other helpful resources—in this program overview.

Read overview

Check out a free training.

Join USAC online to learn more about the E-Rate program and how to participate as either an applicant or service provider.

View training events

Dive deep with a webinar.

Attend a USAC-run webinar—Q&A included—and learn more about E-Rate program rules, compliance, filings, support, and more.

View webinars

Take it step by step.

Learn about the program step by step with USAC’s interactive E-Rate process overview for applicants.

View overview

Go with the flow.

More of a visual learner? See your next steps in color and track your progress with this simple flowchart.

View flowchart

Learn the lingo.

Questions on E-Rate program terms? Learn the program from A-Z with USAC’s glossary of E-Rate terms and definitions.

Visit glossary

Once approved, choose one of two ways to receive your E-rate reimbursement funding.

BEAR - Default Reimbursement Option.

  • With this option, you pay your full T-Mobile bill up front.

  • Next, create an invoice using FCC Form 472.

  • Once approved, you’ll be reimbursed directly by USAC for the E-Rate funded portion of your bill.

SPI - Service Provider Invoicing.

  • Receive your funding commitment.
  • Complete the funding method worksheet and select "Service Provider Invoicing."
  • You’ll receive a bill each month with the eligible federal funding already discounted.
  • You must communicate this request to your Government Account Executive to participate.

Questions about our E-Rate program?

  • To participate in E-Rate, you must be an eligible school or library. The level of funding available to any particular applicant through E-Rate is determined by USAC and is based on a coefficient of location and the percentage of the student population that qualifies to participate in the National School Lunch Program.

    If you are unfamiliar with E-Rate, a good first step is to learn about E-Rate eligibility and eligible services. If you are an applicant (a school, library, district, or consortium), you can review the application process. Once you understand the process, click on the ‘Before You Begin’ link to learn about what you need to know before you file your first form.

    USAC has developed some helpful handouts to help make the application process easier to understand, including an SL Process Overview for Applicants.

    NOTE: If you receive equipment or service through T-Mobile's EmpowerED™ program, T-Mobile will not be able to serve as your E-Rate provider.

  • You’ll need to figure out what discounts and which services you qualify for. Find out more at https://www.usac.org/e-rate/applicant-process/applying-for-discounts.

  • Please contact a T-Mobile E-Rate Regulatory Specialist at E-Rate@T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile E-Rate Regulatory Specialists are highly trained in the Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) program and can help answer your questions.

    Applicants interested in the E-Rate program can also get additional information on the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) website at http://usac.org/sl/.

  • The Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) maintains a glossary of E-Rate terms on its website at https://www.usac.org/e-rate/resources/glossary-of-terms/.

  • Each E-Rate Funding Year begins on July 1st and concludes on June 30th of the following year. For example, FY 2024 begins on July 1, 2024 and will end on June 30th, 2025.

    The E-Rate Funding Year represents the length of time that services may be delivered for a specific funding commitment. Please visit http://www.usac.org/sl for more information about funding commitments and applying for E-Rate services.

  • The EPC can help troubleshoot. Call them at 888-203-8100. 

  • A Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned to telecommunication companies throughout the United States by the administrator of the Federal Universal Service Fund, the Universal Service Administrative Company, also known commonly as USAC. Carrier SPINs are required to be provided by applicants for E-Rate when completing their Form 471 and/or when requesting a change in carriers.

    T-Mobile’s SPIN Number, for use everywhere in the United States, except the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico, is 143026181.

    T-Mobile’s Puerto Rico SPIN Number, for use only in the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico, is 143029059.

    If you are an E-Rate applicant ready to submit your Form 471 and you are interested in using T-Mobile as your service provider, please make sure you list T-Mobile’s appropriate SPIN Number specified above.

Take advantage of E-Rate federal funding.