Top E-Rate Fundable Emerging Technologies for 2024-25

In this blog, we will discuss some of the emerging K-12 technologies that are fundable by the E-Rate program. This is a United States federal initiative administered by the USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company) for the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) that provides schools and libraries across the United States with access to affordable broadband and telecommunication services and solutions via approved E-Rate funding mechanisms.

Keep reading to explore the top technologies that are E-Rate fundable to make sure you are getting the most out of your E-Rate budget to support the needs of your school or district. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

It is no secret that K-12 IT staff have a lot on their plate. In addition to tasks such as strategic planning and technical support, it is estimated that IT staff spend 30-50% of their time on routine tasks such as troubleshooting and network management. To optimize their time, IT professionals need the ability to be ahead of problems, to be able to automate routine tasks, and to be given data and insights to make informed decisions. Essentially, they need an always-on solution that allows them to do more with less. 

Fortunately, major strides have been made toward leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to do just that. K-12 schools have been adopting AI- and ML-enabled tools such as RUCKUS One® to provide efficient network management, proactive analytics, detailed reports, and much more.

More about RUCKUS One

RUCKUS One is an AI-driven network management platform. Using the power of AI, this tool allows IT staff to manage their network more efficiently by predicting and identifying issues before they become problems, which in turn reduces downtime and improves network performance. RUCKUS One can also automate tasks to free up time for strategic initiatives as well as analyze data that gives insight into device performance, network usage, and more. Another feature of RUCKUS One? It is E-Rate fundable under Category 2 eligible services!

But don’t just take our word for it. Watch this video to see how our solutions helped 14,000 students across 26 campuses at Bonneville Joint School District #93. The information services provided within RUCKUS One made a huge difference. 

To learn more about RUCKUS One and request a free trial, explore the cloud-managed solutions page or check out the 13 benefits to managing your network with RUCKUS One. 

Internet of Things (IoT)

School security is top of mind for many, meaning IT staff are being asked to find ways to enhance the safety of students and staff. Because of this, K-12 is beginning to adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) to implement security protocols such as access control, surveillance systems, and asset tracking. 

IoT technologies allow schools to do all of this and more. IoT-enabled smart locks can control who enters and exits school buildings and can be locked down quickly in case of emergency. Also, IoT-enabled cameras and sensors monitor your campus in real-time, providing data and alerts to security personnel that can prevent potential security incidents. IoT also allows asset tracking to prevent theft of equipment such as laptops and projectors. 

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, IoT technologies can also create smart classrooms for more engaging lessons, track attendance using smart cards or biometric devices, enable personalized and effective learning, and manage energy usage. 

The IoT has the potential to transform your school’s network, and, because of E-Rate funding, it can help your school at a low cost. You can read more about RUCKUS’s IoT solution, RUCKUS® IoT Suite, here. 

Wi-Fi 7

School networks face challenges each day, including supporting video streaming and interactive learning platforms, securely onboarding devices, and accounting for the increasing number of those devices with a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy. Because of this, schools need a network with fast speeds, low latency, and increased capacity. Both primary and secondary schools see increased usage of devices, remote learning, web-assisted or web-driven learning and testing, and ever-increasing demands for connectivity, throughput, and network capacity. 

Fortunately, there is a solution: Wi-Fi 7. 

One of the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 is lower latency, meaning teachers and students can use applications like video conferences, online assessments, and digital educational games without delay. As classrooms are becoming more and more digitized, this is a crucial aspect of today’s classroom networks to ensure students are up to speed. 

Wi-Fi 7 also offers higher capacity so school networks can support more devices. As students, teachers, and staff bring laptops, tablets, phones, and more into school and connect them to the school network, having a network that can support an increasing number of devices is key for a seamless network experience. Wi-Fi 7 also supports the RUCKUS Cloudpath® Enrollment System, which facilitates the secure onboarding of devices. 

Other benefits of Wi-Fi 7 include four times the throughput of Wi-Fi 6, multiple management options, wireless link aggregation with multi-link operation (MLO), and improved connection reliability. Plus, it is E-Rate fundable. 

More information on Wi-Fi 7 can be found on our Wi-Fi 7 solutions page or the R770 data sheet. 

RUCKUS WAN Gateway

Another gamechanger for schools is RUCKUS WAN Gateway (RWG). RWG streamlines network management with features like micro-segmentation and location integrations, assisting with secure and efficient access to resources. It also offers advanced content filtering, which allows administrators to block unwanted websites and monitor student activity.  

With RWG’s support for both BYOD and 1:1 technology models, RWG simplifies device management and reduces complexities associated with network architecture. Additionally, RWG’s seamless integration with RUCKUS SmartZone™ network controllers and ICX® switches provides a cohesive and scalable network infrastructure. 

Visit our RWG product page for more information.

E-Rate funding and the E-Rate program summary

Because of the discounted services and solutions the E-Rate program provides, there are many technologies available to districts that may not be accessible without E-Rate funds. While there is an extensive list of technologies that are E-Rate fundable, which you can find using our E-Rate Eligibility Product Search, those highlighted above are becoming more and more popular across school districts. 

If you have any additional questions about the E-Rate program, such as the steps in the application process, RUCKUS is here to help. Below are additional resources, or you can reach out to our E-Rate helpdesk here. 

Where can you find additional helpful information? 

• E-Rate for digital learning page for product eligibility, E-Rate updates, ordering guides, case studies, and documents. 
• USAC website for application filing windows, bidding process overview, categories of service (including basic maintenance of internal connections), competitive bidding process, FCC forms, EPC administration, and help for groups bidding as part of a consortium, or other non-traditional entities such as Non-Instructional Facilities (NIFs).

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