E-rate Category One Services

The information below was taken from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order DA 18-789 (PDF), which announced the eligible services list (ESL) for funding year (FY) 2019.

The first category of supported services, Category One, includes the services needed to support broadband connectivity to schools and libraries.  Eligible Category One services are listed in the entries for data transmission and/or Internet access.  This category consists of the services that provide broadband to eligible locations including data links that connect multiple points, services used to connect eligible locations to the Internet, and services that provide basic conduit access to the Internet.  With the exception of leased dark fiber and self-provisioned broadband networks, maintenance and technical support appropriate to maintain reliable operation are only eligible for support when provided as a component of these services.

Data Transmission Services and Internet Access

This category consists of the services that provide broadband to eligible locations including data links that connect multiple points, services used to connect eligible locations to the Internet, and services that provide basic conduit access to the Internet. These services include:

• Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
• Broadband Over Power Lines
• Cable Modem
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
• DS-1 (T-1), DS-3 (T-3), and Fractional T-1 or T-3
• Ethernet
• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
• Leased Lit Fiber
• Leased Dark Fiber (including dark fiber indefeasible rights use [IRUs] for a set term)
• Self-Provisioned Broadband Networks
• Frame Relay
• Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)
• OC-1, OC-3, OC-12, OC-n
• Satellite Service
• Switched Multimegabit Data Service
• Telephone Dial-up
• Wireless Services (e.g., microwave)

Eligible Voice Services

• As of FY 2019 (2019-20 School Year) voice services are no longer eligible for E-Rate discounts.