The first question to ask yourself is what you need.

1. Determine what eligible services   you need for Category One Services (connections TO schools).
   • Data Transmission Services and Internet Access
   • Voice Services (phasing out of the program)
   
   LEARN MORE Learn more about Category One Services
2. Determine what eligible services   you need for Category Two Services (connections WITHIN schools).
   • Internal Connections
   • Basic Maintenance of Eligible Internal Connections
   • Managed Internal Broadband Services
   
   LEARN MORE Learn more about Category Two Services

Next, determine what you can afford.

1. Get estimates from service providers on the cost of what you think you would need. You are not selecting a provider at this point; you are simply assessing the potential costs.
2. Evaluate your school budget to determine what you can afford. You should always budget the entire cost of the service or project without any E-Rate funds applied. E-Rate will potentially reimburse some of your costs but should never be considered a guaranteed funding source. If you can't afford the full cost, revisit your needs.
3. Then determine your E-Rate discount rate.
   
   LEARN MORE Learn more about calculating your discount rate
4. If you are applying for Category Two products and services, calculate your per-school or per-library E-Rate five year budget.
LEARN MORE Learn more about calculating your budget

Although a technology plan is not required for E-Rate, your planned E-Rate supported services and products should align with your required Maine state technology plan. Develop a plan that supports what you want and need to do, and what you can afford to do.