Learn Without Limits Initiatives

What is the Wi-Fi Hotspots Program?

As part of the Learn without Limits Initiative, Wi-Fi hotspots are now eligible for E-Rate funding beginning in FY2025. Schools and libraries will now be permitted to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots and services for the purpose of lending them to students, school staff, and library patrons for at-home educational use.

What is the funding process?

This funding will be part of E-Rate Category One. Unlike other Category One expenses, however, there will be a fixed three-year budget cycle specifically for hotspots covering FY2025-FY2027. Applicants can use a max of 45% of their budget in any given year. Applicants will get reimbursed based on their discount percentage. For assistance calculating your budget, contact us below.

What are the rules and compliance requirements?

• Hotspots must be primarily for educational purposes. Applicants must have an Acceptable Use Policy in place.

• Record keeping requirements.

• No duplicate funding (“double dipping”).

• Bans on the resale or transfer of equipment before three years.

• Requirements to prevent “warehousing” and minimize non-use of hotspots.

• CIPA compliance required.

• Head Start, Pre-K, and Kindergarten students are ineligible.

What is the application process?

The application process will be just like the E-Rate Category One process, starting with the completion of the Form 470, followed by competitive bidding, the Form 471, and the Form 486.

What is eligible?

Monthly hotspot services for off-premises use:

• Pre-discount cap of $15 a month per hotspot service plan. Anything over $15/month is the responsibility of the applicant.

• Taxes and state fees are not included in the cap and must be listed separately.

Hotspot hardware for off-premise use:

• Pre-discount cap of $90 per hotspot hardware and must be associated with a line of service.

Delivery fees, activation and configuration costs are included in the cap.  

If you have any questions, or if this is something you may be interested in applying for, please let us know by clicking the button below.

What is the School Bus Wi-Fi Program?

As part of the Learn without Limits Initiative, school bus Wi-Fi equipment and services became eligible for E-Rate funding effective FY2024.

What is the funding process?

School bus Wi-Fi equipment and wireless internet services will be classified as E-Rate Category One. In doing so, applicants can file for services and equipment together, and it also allows all applicants to apply regardless of their available Category Two budget. 

What are the rules and compliance requirements?

Applicants will be expected to use these services for educational purposes – e.g., restricting content and disallowing use of the Wi-Fi by the general community.

Funding for Wi-Fi on school buses is subject to all E-Rate rules – e.g., competitive bidding.

What is the application process?

The application process is part of the E-Rate Category One process, starting with the completion of the Form 470, followed by competitive bidding, the Form 471, and the Form 486.

What is eligible?

All school-owned, leased, or contracted school buses are eligible. You can receive reimbursement for services for all twelve months of the funding year, with the stipulation that it must be turned on and available for student use all twelve months.

If you have any questions, or if this is something you may be interested in applying for, please let us know by clicking the button below.

Where can I learn about the Cybersecurity Pilot Program?

The Learn without Limits Initiative is a three-part initiative that also includes funding for the Cybersecurity Pilot Program. The application window for the Pilot is expected to open Fall 2024. For more information on this program, including support with your application, check out our dedicated Pilot program webpage.