Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program Resources

On October 29, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shared at the general assembly for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Convention that the agency launched the Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP or E-Rate). E-Rate is an FCC program that is administered by the Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC). The program provides discounts of up to 90 percent of the costs for broadband connections to and within Tribal libraries.

T-LEAP is a permanent program that will provide one-on-one assistance in preparing, applying, and receiving E-Rate support for the upcoming funding year. Additionally, T-LEAP will support Tribal libraries in post-commitment processes.

To learn about the goals of T-Leap, please use this link.

There are two categories of service that are eligible for E-Rate funding.

1.     Category one provides connectivity to a school or library building, which includes telecommunications services and Internet access (for example, the fiber or cable broadband connection to the library).

2.     Category two provides Internet access within schools or libraries, which includes internal connections, basic maintenance of internal connections, and managed internal broadband services (for example, the equipment needed within a library to provide Wi-Fi to patrons).

Eligible applicants include:

• T-LEAP is open to all Tribal libraries that are new to the E-Rate program or had challenges apply to the E-Rate program in the past.
• Tribal libraries must be able to demonstrate that they have three basic characteristics of a library:

1.     Regularly scheduled hours;

2.     Staff; and

3.     Materials for library users.

Deadline for applications:

• Applications are accepted year-round.

How a library can be designated as a Tribal library:

•  Via a Tribal government entity using a Tribal Resolution, for example;
  • By working with the state library administrative agency where they are located;
  •  If a Tribal college and university library acts as the public library by having dedicated library staff, regular hours, and a collection available for public use int its community.

Please use this link to sign up for T-LEAP. Participants will be expected to provide feedback about the E-Rate application and post-commitment processes, so that the FCC and USAC can continue to simplify and enhance the program experience for Tribal library applicants.

 For additional information on how to apply, please contact the Office of Native Affairs and Policy at native@fcc.gov or tribaltraining@usac.org. USAC’s E-Rate Customer Service Center is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET at (888) 203-8100.  

Related Links:

•   Indicating Interest in Participation
  •  Interested Tribal libraries should be prepared to provide a brief description about your library, including existing broadband resources and what broadband services your library would like to offer to its library patrons, information about its eligibility as a Tribal library, a point of contact, and Tribal affiliation.
• Checklist for New Libraries
•  E-Rate Acronym Cheat Sheet
• Tribal Libraries FAQ
•  How to Apply for E-Rate
•   Tribal Libraries and E-Rate: Download and Share
•  FCC Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program webpage
• Press Release (October 28, 2024)
• Informational Brochure

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