E-Rate and Broadband

E-rate is a federal program that lets public schools and libraries apply for discounts on eligible internet services to help increase broadband connectivity. The program is managed by the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC). All applications are submitted online via the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC).  Libraries are encouraged to subscribe to the E-Rate News Brief for timely information and tips for the application process.

Updates for Funding Year 2025

FY2025 FCC Form 470 Available in EPC Starting September 19, 2024.

Consult the FY2025+ FCC Form 470 Services Guiding Statements Table to determine the correct menu items to select in the form.

The FY2025 FCC Form 471 Filing Window is Now Open. The Funding Year (FY) 2025 FCC Form 471 application filing window opened January 15 and will close on March 26, 2025. 

February 26, 2025 is the last date that you can submit and certify an FCC Form 470 and still wait the required minimum 28-day period before submitting and certifying your FCC Form 471 by March 26, 2025, the last date of the FY2025 application filing window.

The Eligible Services List (ESL) for each funding year provides guidance on the eligibility of products and services under the E-Rate program. Note that for FY2025, Wi-Fi equipment (devices) and services to make the devices functional for off-premises use are eligible. School bus Wi-Fi equipment and associated mobile wireless services became available starting in FY2024. USAC highly recommends applying for these off-premises services on separate FCC Forms 471 from your other on-premises services to avoid delaying funding commitments for those services.  Below are links to the ESL and related documents.

 Changes to the FY2025 FCC Form 470

This year, the FCC Form 470 includes the new features below. A detailed walkthrough of the form is available in the How to File an FCC Form 470 learning module.

  • Ability To Upload RFP and RFP Documents After Certification. Applicants can upload an RFP (request for proposals) or RFP documents after the FCC Form 470 is submitted and certified in EPC but cannot remove RFP documents attached to your FCC Form 470.
    • Details about this change can be found in the Uploading RFPs After Certification section of the How to File an FCC Form 470 learning module.
  • Ability To Cancel FCC Forms 470 and View Canceled Forms. EPC users with full rights to the FCC Form 470 can cancel a certified FCC Form 470 that has not yet been cited on a committed FCC Form 471 Funding Request Number (FRN).
    • Users with FCC Form 471 partial or full rights to file FCC Form 471 funding applications are no longer able to certify the FCC Form 471 if one of the FRNs on the form is citing a canceled FC C Form 470. A validation message appears preventing you from certifying the FCC Form 471 in these cases.
    • Applicants can view canceled FCC Forms 470 in EPC under Records -> FCC Forms 470 by selecting “Canceled” under the Status filter. Service providers can select Search FCC Forms 470 on their landing page and then select the Funding Year, date range for posted FCC Forms 470, and Category of Service. You can also access the search from the Actions tab by selecting Search and Export Certified FCC Forms 470. Canceled FCC Form 470 information can also be found in the E-Rate FCC Form 470 Download Tool by looking in the FCC Form 470 Status column.
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices/Wireless Internet Services for Off-Premises Use. The FCC released a report and order (FCC 24-76) July 29 that permits eligible schools and libraries to receive E-Rate support for the off-premises use of Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless mobile internet services by students, school staff, and library patrons. The FY2025 FCC Form 470 includes options to request bids for Wi-Fi hotspot devices and wireless mobile Internet access services for these devices.
    • Details about filing for Hotspot Devices for Off-Premises Use equipment/services can be found in the C1: Wi-Fi Hotspots for Off Premises Use (Equipment) and the C1: Wi-Fi Hotspots for Off Premises Use (Data Transmission) sections of the How to File an FCC Form 470 learning module.
  • Bus Wi-Fi Network Equipment/Mobile Service for Buses. These equipment and services were available in FY2024, but the FCC Form 470 was not updated in time to include specific selections for them. USAC has updated the FY2025 FCC Form 470 to include selections for seeking bids for School Bus Wi-Fi mobile services and the equipment needed to make the services functional.
    • Details about filing for School Bus Wi-Fi Mobile Service/Network Equipment for Buses can be found in the C1: Mobile Services on School Buses and the C1: School Bus Wi-Fi Network Equipment sections of the How to File an FCC Form 470 learning module.

 Basic Steps to Apply

  • Submit Form 470 describing the eligible services you want; you may not choose a provider until the form has been online and available for a minimum of 28 days (Summer-Fall)
  • Submit Form 471 about your chosen provider and the costs of services; you must submit this form before the deadline set by USAC (Winter--USAC will announce the opening and closing dates which usually occur Jan-Mar)
  • You will get a Receipt Acknowledgement Letter (RAL) after filing your Form 471
  • Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) reviews all applications and contacts applicants if they have any clarifying questions
  • Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDL) are mailed beginning in late spring and continually throughout the year as applications are reviewed
  • Submit Form 486 after receiving your FCDL stating that you are receiving services and are CIPA compliant (File within 120 days of receiving your FCDL)
  • Submit Form 472 if you are paying the service provider in full and want to receive the discounted amount as a reimbursement; you will receive payment directly to your bank account and you must have completed Form 498
  • If you pay the service provider the discounted amount they will submit Form 474 to get reimbursed by USAC

Form 470 FY22-24 User Guide

For questions, contact Clarisa Arguello Adult Services & Digital Literacy Consultant and State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, at clarisa.arguello@dncr.nc.gov.

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