Are outdoor wireless access points eligible?

Outdoor APs serving school grounds where eligible educational activities take place can be eligible. APs serving public spaces unrelated to eligible educational use are not.

Are wireless controllers funded separately?

Yes. Controllers are part of the wireless system and eligible alongside the APs. Controller licensing tied to AP operation is also covered.

What about cellular / hotspot devices?

Cellular hotspots and the data plans behind them are typically Category 1 (connectivity), not Category 2. The Eligible Services List for the funding year defines what's covered.

Category 2 · Product line

Wireless Access Points in E-Rate

Quick answer

Wireless access points (APs) and the controllers that manage them are eligible Internal Connections under E-Rate Category 2. They're funded at the applicant's discount rate against the five-year C2 budget. Indoor APs, outdoor APs serving an eligible site, and the management hardware behind them are all covered.

What's covered

Indoor wireless access points serving classrooms, offices, libraries, and other eligible spaces are fully eligible. Outdoor APs serving athletic fields, parking lots adjacent to school buildings, or other school-grounds locations may be eligible if they primarily serve eligible educational use.

Wireless controllers, on-prem or cloud-managed, are eligible alongside the APs they manage. Controller licensing tied directly to AP operation is also funded.

Wi-Fi 6, 6E, 7 — is the latest generation eligible?

USAC's Eligible Services List does not gate eligibility by Wi-Fi generation. Current-generation APs (Wi-Fi 6, 6E, 7) are funded the same as prior generations as long as they meet the basic Internal Connections definition. Cost allocation may apply to advanced features beyond standard Wi-Fi service.

FAQ

Common questions

Are outdoor wireless access points eligible?: Outdoor APs serving school grounds where eligible educational activities take place can be eligible. APs serving public spaces unrelated to eligible educational use are not.
Are wireless controllers funded separately?: Yes. Controllers are part of the wireless system and eligible alongside the APs. Controller licensing tied to AP operation is also covered.
What about cellular / hotspot devices?: Cellular hotspots and the data plans behind them are typically Category 1 (connectivity), not Category 2. The Eligible Services List for the funding year defines what's covered.

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This page summarizes publicly available FCC and USAC guidance on E-Rate eligibility for educational purposes. Eligibility rules and cost-allocation requirements change over time and by funding year; verify the current Eligible Services List with USAC before relying on this for a specific filing. ERateSignal is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by USAC, the FCC, or the U.S. Government.