Which Commonly Asked About E-Rate Services are Actually Ineligible?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in charge of revising and releasing the E-Rate Eligible Services List (ESL) each year. The ESL provides guidance on the eligibility of products and services under the E-Rate Program.
We often get questions regarding specific services and equipment types that are ineligible. In this blog post, we will review some of the most commonly asked about items that are not eligible for E-Rate funding.
Category One
The first category of supported services, Category One, includes the services needed to support broadband connectivity to schools and libraries.
Ineligible Category One Services (not a complete list):
Redundant (back up) circuits.
Voice services.
Content filtering software or services.
Web hosting.
Category Two
The second category of equipment and services eligible for E-Rate support, Category Two, includes the internal connections (e.g., equipment) needed for broadband connectivity within schools and libraries, as well as Managed Services and Basic Maintenance. Support is limited to the internal connections necessary to bring broadband into, and provide it throughout, schools and libraries.
Ineligible Category Two Services (not a complete list):
Phones, handsets, or PBX systems.
Smartphones.
Laptops/desktops and tablets.
Printers, copiers, and scanners.
Security systems, including cameras or video surveillance systems.
Paging systems and speakers.
Door access systems.
Servers (except caching servers).
Alarm systems.
Equipment servicing only ineligible items (i.e., UPS battery backups purchased for use exclusively on standalone servers, which are ineligible).
End-user software like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
To learn more about E-Rate eligible services, check out our blog post on the topic here.
View the full FCC 2025 E-Rate Eligible Services List here.
For help with applying for E-Rate or understanding eligibility, reach out to us at HWC Consultants!