Getting the most out of E-Rate: a step-by-step guideThe E-Rate program, administered by the Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC), offers K–12 schools and libraries discounts of 20–90% on eligible telecom services.

Follow this simple infographic to help you get started on the path to saving money with E-Rate.

E-Rate modernizationThe E-Rate program underwent a comprehensive modernization in 2014, introducing efficiencies for the application process, adjusting eligible services to focus on broadband connectivity and allocating new funding for WiFi.

E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) toolOne major administrative change is the advent of the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) tool, which is the main hub of activity for applicants participating in the E-Rate program.

E-Rate support is available for high-speed broadband access, WiFi and voice (though voice is being phased out). Click here for a complete list of eligible services.

Let’s get started!

Are you a public, private or parochial K–12 school or library with established eligibility in the E-Rate program?Click here to see if your organization is already a participant with an E-Rate Entity Number.

NOIf your organization isn’t already an E-Rate participant and you’d like to get started with E-Rate, click here.

YESAre you seeking funding for eligible new services or existing/tariffed services?

New services or a change to existing services File FCC Form 470.For more help, click here.

RememberApplicants must accept bids for at least 28 days after filing a Form 470 and host a fair and competitive bidding pro-cess.Contracts may be executed on or after the Allowable Contract Date (ACD) on the Form 470.

File Form 471 to request funding on new services contracted via a Form 470 and a competitive bidding process.

File Form 471 in EPC during the 471 filing window.

Funding is granted on a yearly basis and runs July 1–June 30.For more about filing Form 471, click here.

Maintain tariffed or existing services on an existing multi-year contract.Are you currently receiving E-Rate funding for the services you wish to maintain?

NOE-Rate discounts can only be applied to services that have been contracted through a competitive bidding process initiated by the FCC Form 470.

File a Form 470 to solicit bids for a new contract.For more help, click here.

RememberApplicants must accept bids for at least 28 days after filing a Form 470 and host a fair and competitive bidding pro-cess.Contracts may be executed on or after the Allowable Contract Date (ACD) on the Form 470.

File Form 471 to request funding on new services contracted via a Form 470 and a competitive bidding process.

File Form 471 in EPC during the 471 filing window.

Funding is granted on a yearly basis and runs July 1–June 30.For more about filing Form 471, click here.

YesFile Form 471 to renew funding for the coming year for tariffed services or a multi-year contract already supported by E-Rate.

File Form 471 in EPC during the 471 filing window.

Funding is granted on a yearly basis and runs July 1–June 30.For more about filing Form 471, click here.

Did you know?You don’t have to file a new Form 470 on existing services supported by E-Rate that are in the middle of a multi-year deal. Form 471 needs to be filed every year to renew funding.

Congratulations!Once your application is complete, update your contact information to ensure the USAC can reach you with any questions or points of clarification as they review your funding request, and be on the lookout for a funding decision letter sometime over the summer months.