Where creativity meets clarity, and vision meets action.
Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where funding the digital divide for Schools and Libraries meets thoughtful execution.
Our Approach
We're a team of passionate thinkers and doers, dedicated to funding broadband for schools and libraries with purpose and clarity. Collaboration and curiosity drive everything we do. Our process is simple, thoughtful, and designed with your experience in mind. We believe great results come from clear steps, open collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Our E-Rate SPIN# 143053020
E-Rate
E-Rate is a federal program that helps make high-speed internet, telecommunications services, and related equipment more affordable. It provides significant discounts 20% to 90% on eligible costs, funded through the Universal Service Fund.
Tahoe is in business to provide fiber broadband solutions and managed IT services with deep E-Rate experience for K-12 schools, districts and libraries nationwide.
Schools do not have the time or resources to keep up with the constant E-Rate program changes and requirements to meet their demands.
We can work with you to help you understand the E-Rate program rules and regulations, and deliver reliable fiber connectivity and managed IT service solutions.
Who runs E-Rate?
USAC.org is the website of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a not-for-profit organization designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to administer the Universal Service Fund (USF) and its programs. One of its main programs is E-Rate (officially the Schools and Libraries Program).
E-Rate is a federal program that helps make high-speed internet, telecommunications services, and related equipment more affordable for schools and libraries across the United States. It provides significant discounts (ranging from 20% to 90%) on eligible costs, funded through the Universal Service Fund (supported by contributions from telecommunications companies). The goal is to ensure students, educators, and library patrons have reliable broadband access for learning, digital resources, and connectivity—helping bridge the digital divide, especially in low-income or rural areas.
Who Is Eligible?
Public and private K-12 schools.
Public libraries (and certain other library types that meet criteria).
Groups of schools/libraries, such as districts, consortia, or systems.
Applicants must meet specific statutory definitions and request only eligible services/equipment.
How Does the Discount Work?
Discount percentages depend on:
The poverty level (often based on the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program or similar measures).
Whether the location is urban or rural (rural areas get a boost).
Higher poverty/rural status = higher discount (up to 90%). For example: A school/library with a 90% discount on a $1,000 eligible service pays only $100 (their non-discount share), and E-Rate covers the remaining $900 directly to the provider.
How Does the Process Work?
Applicants file FCC Form 470 to post needs publicly;
Vendors bid.
Select the most cost-effective provider (price is the primary factor).
Apply for funding via FCC Form 471.
USAC reviews and issues a commitment letter (funding approval).
Services start; the applicant pays their share, and USAC reimburses the provider (or handles direct payment in some cases).
Invoicing and reimbursement occur (with tools like the E-Rate Productivity Center portal).
The program runs on annual funding years, with specific filing windows (deadlines like March 2027 for Form 470 and April 2027 for certain applications, plus changes like SAM.gov integration for payments starting August 2026).For the most current details, official guides, tools, or to apply, visit the dedicated section: https://www.usac.org/e-rate
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