Announcements
October 17, 2024
E-Rate Systems (EPC, ECF, CBR) Outage October 25, 2024 due to System Maintenance:
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC), Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), and Cybersecurity Pilot Program (CBR) sites will be unavailable Friday, October 25 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. EST due to system upgrades. During this time, users will be unable to log in or access these systems. We apologize for any inconvenience.
October 11, 2024
FY 2025 Off-Premises Wi-Fi Hotspots Funding
Starting in Funding Year (FY) 2025, eligible schools and libraries can begin Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs for off-premises remote learning, using Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile wireless Internet services for students and library patrons. For more information, review the Off-Premises Wi-Fi Hotspots Overview, the Wi-Fi Hotspots FAQs, and webinar materials covering eligible services, Wi-Fi Hotspot budgets, and more.
October 11, 2024
New Administrative Window eLM
USAC posted the “How to Update Your E-Rate EPC Profile During the Administrative Window” e-learning module and interactive user guide on the USAC website to help you get started with your FY2025 admin window process. The Administrative Window allows applicants to make updates to their entity profile information in EPC in preparation for FCC Form 471 application filing window. The learning module walks you through the steps for updating user rights levels, EPC profile information for libraries and schools, how to bulk upload entity profile data, and how to request a C2 replacement budget.
October 11, 2024
FCC Releases Hurricane Milton Relief Order
On October 9, the FCC released Order DA 24-1059, waiving several E-Rate rules and deadlines, on a temporary basis, to assist participants and providers located in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton and its immediate aftermath (collectively, the Milton Weather Events). This order is also applicable to affected FCC programs’ participants and USF contributors in Lifeline, Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, and High Cost.
October 8, 2024
FCC Releases Hurricane Relief Order
On October 1, 2024, the FCC released Order DA 24-1025, waiving certain Lifeline, E-Rate, Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, and High Cost rules for those FCC programs’ participants and for USF contributors located in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
September 27, 2024
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance:
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable on Thursday October, 10 from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. ET for system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.
September 27, 2024
FY2024 FCC Form 486 Deadline Reminder
Generally, October 28, 2024 is the deadline to file an FY2024 FCC Form 486 if your FCDL is dated on or before July 1, 2024 and your service start date is July 1, 2024. If these conditions apply to you, please submit and certify your FCC Form 486 on or before this deadline.
If your FCC Form 486 appears to be late, we will send you an FCC Form 486 Urgent Reminder Letter to remind you of the upcoming deadline. The service start date you reported on your FCC Form 471 is used to determine when to send the letter, so if your service start date has changed, your deadline may have changed as well.
This reminder letter is posted to your News feed in EPC and is emailed to the contact person on the FCC Form 471. These letters will start going out after October 28, 2024 for FY2024 commitments.
You have 15 days after the date of the reminder letter to submit and certify your FCC Form 486 without penalty. Again, if your service start date has changed, the service start date you enter on your certified FCC Form 486 will determine whether your filing is considered late.
Applicants whose services started after July 1, 2024, or whose FCDLs are dated after July 1, 2024 (including any that have not yet been issued), will have an FCC Form 486 deadline later than October 28. However, we encourage you to submit and certify your FCC Form 486 as soon as possible after services start for FY2024 and if you can accurately make all the certifications on the form.
September 27, 2024
Annual Renewal of SAM.gov Registration Required to Submit BEAR Forms
If you are an E-Rate applicant that submits the FCC Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR)) form to invoice USAC and you registered for a SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), you must renew the SAM.gov registration annually on SAM.gov.
You may have obtained a UEI if you participated in the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) or if you updated an existing FCC Form 498 (Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and Contact Information Form) or submitted a new FCC Form 498 after May 12, 2023.
This is particularly important if you have FY2023 recurring services Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) with an approaching October 28, 2024 invoice deadline date. If you have a UEI and it is not currently active, you will not be able to submit the BEAR form in EPC.
You can check the status of your FCC Form 498 in the E-Rate Entity Search Tool. Enter your FCC Form 498 Number in the Entity Number filter and look in the FCC Form 498 Status column.
If you have not recently changed your FCC Form 498 information, you likely don’t have a UEI, so no action is required at this time.
Visit SAM.gov to check your UEI status and renew your entity if needed.
September 27, 2024
FY2023 Invoicing Filing Deadline for Recurring Services
October 28, 2024 is the deadline to file an invoice or to request an invoice deadline extension (IDE) for most Funding Year (FY) 2023 recurring services Funding Request Numbers (FRNs). This invoice filing deadline applies to both applicant and service provider invoices – the FCC Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR Form)) and the FCC Form 474 (Service Provider Invoice (SPI) and (eSPI)), respectively.
How To Request an Invoice Filing Deadline Extension for FRNs From FY2016 and Forward
Both applicants and service providers can request an invoice filing deadline extension in EPC by following the steps below. Remember that there is no penalty for requesting an invoice filing deadline extension and not using it.
Applicants:
- On your invoicing landing page, click the link to the billed entity record (the name in the Welcome! link near the top of the page or the first entry under the My Entities section).
- Select the Related Actions menu and choose Invoice Deadline Date Extension Request.
Service Providers:
- From the Records tab at the top of any EPC page, click the Service Providers option.
- Use the Search function to locate your service provider record.
- Select the Related Actions menu and choose Invoice Deadline Date Extension Request.
You can use the E-Rate FRN Status Tool FY2016+ to find the invoicing filing deadline by searching for the FRN(s) and looking in the “Last Date to Invoice” column.
September 27, 2024
EPC Administrative Window Opens October 15, 2024
The administrative window will open Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and will close shortly before the FY2025 application filing window opens in early 2025. After this time, applicant profiles will be locked, and you will not be able to make changes to your profile information.
Go to the EPC Administrative Window page for detailed information on updating entity profiles and join our October 24 Administrative Window webinar to learn more.
September 6, 2024
Fall Training – E-Rate Program Overview
On September 16, 2024 from 2:00-3:30 PM E.T., USAC will provide a high-level overview of the E-Rate application process from beginning to end and explain basic program concepts for applicants and service providers. After the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session. Register.
September 6, 2024
FY2025 Eligible Services List Comment Period
The FCC Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) released a Public Notice (DA 24-743) on July 31 requesting comments on the proposed FY2025 eligible services list (ESL). WCB proposed revisions to the draft FY2025 ESL to reflect changes adopted by the FCC in the Wi-Fi Hotspot Report and Order (FCC 24-76) which was released on July 29, 2024, as well as some changes to the language related to eligibility of off-campus wireless service on school buses, cost allocation of off-campus use of E-Rate-funded services, and the cost-effectiveness test required for data plans and air cards. Comments were due on or before August 30 and reply comments on or before September 16, 2024.
August 30, 2024
Requesting Service Delivery Deadline Extensions for FY2023 Non-Recurring Services (Other Than Special Construction)
The deadline for delivery and installation of non-recurring services (e.g., installations, equipment purchases) is September 30 following the close of the funding year. For FY2023, the deadline for non-recurring services, other than special construction, is Monday, September 30, 2024.
This service delivery deadline (SDD) can be extended for up to one year under certain circumstances, through an extension request. In some cases, the extension will be automatically made based on the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) date or the revised FCDL (RFCDL) date.
Requesting extensions
Service providers who are (1) unable to meet their service delivery deadline for reasons beyond their control such as supply chain delays or are (2) unwilling to complete delivery and installation because USAC withheld invoice payments on the services for more than 60 days, can ask the affected applicants to request a one-year extension with USAC, which must be approved.
Applicants can request the one-year extension by completing and certifying an FCC Form 500 (Funding Commitment Adjustment Request Form) on or before September 30, 2024 for FY2023 non-recurring services. If your service delivery deadline for a Funding Request Number (FRN) is approved and the deadline extended to September 30, 2025, USAC will automatically extend the invoice deadline for that FRN to January 28, 2026. There is no need to submit an invoice deadline date (IDD) extension request for an extended FRN when submitting an SDD extension request. If you do submit an IDD extension request at the same time, it will count towards your one-time invoicing extension, and you will not be able to request a second IDD extension request in the future if you need it.
If, as a service provider, you are aware of the need to request an SDD extension, work with your customer (the applicant) to get the FCC Form 500 completed and certified no later than September 30, 2024.
Automatic extensions
If USAC issues an FY2023 FCDL on or after March 1, 2024, the SDD is automatically extended for one year to September 30, 2025. This also applies to RFCDLs issued on or after March 1, 2024, for one of the following:
- Approval of an appeal for a funding request that originally denied or reduced funding,
- Approval of a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) change, or
- Approval of a service or equipment substitution.
The FCDL or RFCDL contains the extended SDD date when it is issued. You can also find the SDD by searching for the FRN using the E-Rate FRN Status Tool FY2016+.
August 30, 2024
Complete and Certify Any In-Process FY2024 FCC Forms 470 by September 18
Some applicants currently have uncertified FY2024 FCC Forms 470 within the EPC system. To prepare for the deployment of the FY2025 FCC Form 470 on September 19, USAC must delete uncertified FY2024 FCC Forms 470 the day before. Any applicant who wants to rely on an uncertified FY2024 FCC Form 470 that is currently in the EPC system should certify that form no later than September 18. The FY2024 FCC Form 470 will then be posted to USAC’s website and can then still be cited, for example, to open a competitive bidding process for FY2025.
August 30, 2024
Summer Deferral Period Ends September 6
Our summer deferral contact period is defined as the Friday before Memorial Day through the Friday after Labor Day. For 2024, the summer deferral contact period began May 24 and will end Friday, September 6. If participants are unable to respond during this period, the form or request is placed in a deferred status until the deferral period ends, at which time we will continue our regular review process. USAC will make additional attempts to contact applicants and will then continue the review with the information provided, which may result in a reduction or denial of funding.
August 19, 2024
Open Data Training: Creating Reports and Visualizations
On August 29, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET. A follow-up to the August 27 Open Data Overview, this webinar will dive deeper into the tools and visualizations that are available. You will be taken through the steps to create your own custom reports and how to turn them into clear, comprehensible visuals. Register.
August 19, 2024
E-Rate Open Data Overview
On August 27, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET. This webinar gives an overview of what Open Data is and how you can make it work for you. Register.
August 14, 2024
USAC Announces E-Rate 2024 Fall Training Schedule
USAC has confirmed the E-Rate Fall 2024 Training dates for applicants and service providers that wish to learn more about the program and how to participate. The training sessions will once again be virtual, and registration for each session is now available. Click on the links below for each session to register for that specific training. These sessions are for E-Rate program participants of all levels of experience and will include opportunities to ask questions.
E-Rate Program Overview September 5, 2:00 PM – 3:30PM EDT
E-Rate Pre-Commitment Process September 19, 2:00PM – 3:00PM EDT
E-Rate Eligible Services 101 September 24, 2:00PM – 3:00PM EDT
Category Two Budgets October 17, 2:00PM – 3:00PM EDT
EPC Administrative Window October 24, 2:00PM – 3:00PM EDT
E-Rate Post Commitment Process October 31, 2:00PM – 3:00PM EDT
E-Rate Invoicing November 4, 2:00PM – 3:00PM EDT
August 2, 2024
FY2025 FCC Form 470 Resources Available
USAC posted the How to File an FCC Form 470 learning module and the FCC Form 470 Services Guiding Statements Reference Table FY2025 on the USAC website to help you get started with your FY2025 competitive bidding process. The learning module walks you through the steps for submitting Category One and Category Two bid requests for School Bus Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspots for Off-Premises Use equipment and services. The guiding statements document provides a table to help you determine which dropdown menus to select on the FCC Form 470 when requesting specific types of equipment and services.
July 25, 2024
Wi-Fi Hotspots Webinar
On August 15, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET., USAC will discuss the FCC’s report and order (FCC 24-76) that makes E-Rate support available for eligible schools and libraries for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless Internet services that can be used off-premises including eligibility requirements, hotspots funding budgets and caps, and other requirements. Register.
July 22, 2024
Service Provider Webinar
This session will give service providers who are new to the E-Rate program an understanding of their role in the process of delivering E-Rate supported equipment and services to applicants. Register.
July 1, 2024
FCC Form 470/Competitive Bidding Webinar
USAC will host a FCC Form 470: Competitive Bidding Webinar on August 1, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). This webinar will provide E-Rate participants with information on how to file the FCC Form 470 and about the E-Rate competitive bidding process. This webinar is for applicants and service providers of all levels of E-Rate experience, with emphasis towards beginner level participants. Register.
July 1, 2024
Southeastern Library Association (SELA) Annual Conference
Visit USAC at the Southeastern Library Association (SELA) Annual Conference July 14-16, 2024 in Huntsville, Alabama. Event Link.
July 1, 2024
FY2024 Invoicing Begins on July 1, 2024
After USAC has processed your FY2024 FCC Form 486, you or your service provider can begin the process of invoicing USAC for the discounted share of costs for the approved eligible equipment and services. The service provider(s) must have an FY2024 FCC Form 473 on file before any invoices can be submitted (see the FCC Form 473 article). View the November 9, 2023 webinar slides to learn more about the invoicing process and for key reminders.
July 1, 2024
File the FCC Form 486
After applicants have received a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) with a positive funding commitment and services have started for the funding year, they must file an FCC Form 486 (Receipt of Service Confirmation and Children’s Internet Protection Act Certification Form). The FCC Form 486 notifies USAC that services have started and certifies the status of the applicant’s compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
June 28, 2024
Request a Service Delivery Deadline Extension by June 30, 2024
To be eligible for E-Rate program discounts for special construction charges, special construction must be completed in time for the fiber to be lit or to be in use by the end of the relevant funding year (i.e., June 30, 2024 for FY2023). This applies to leased lit fiber, leased dark fiber, or a self-provisioned network involving another technology. If this June 30 deadline is not met and you have not received an extension, the special construction charges will not be eligible for support under program rules and a waiver will be needed from the FCC.
If you sought support for special construction related to leased lit fiber, leased dark fiber, or self-provisioned networks for FY2023, you may request a one-year extension of the June 30 deadline by demonstrating that construction was unavoidably delayed due to weather or other reasons, or by the late issuance of an FCDL. You must demonstrate that the reason or reasons have unavoidably delayed special construction in a manner that prevents the fiber from being lit (or a self-provisioned network using another technology to be in use) by the June 30 deadline.
Applicants must file an FCC Form 500 by June 30, 2024 to request this one-year extension. Go to FAQS: Eligible Fiber Services for additional information regarding deadlines and extensions in relation to non-recurring special construction charges.
If you have not received your FCDL and you need to request an extension of this deadline, file a customer service case in EPC and attach a completed FY2022 Special Construction Deadline Extension Request (SCDER) to the case on or before June 30, 2024.
If you need assistance, you can open a customer service case in EPC or call the Customer Service Center at (888) 203-8100.
June 21, 2024
June Infrastructure Maintenance
Maintenance will begin at 6 PM on Friday, June 21 and end by 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 22.
June 17, 2024
Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
On June 11, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order establishing the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program (Pilot Program) to gather the data needed to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to support the cybersecurity needs of schools and libraries. The Pilot Program aims to address cybersecurity threats facing schools and libraries, including being targeted by malicious actors who seek to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, cause online harm or embarrassment, or otherwise disable/disrupt critical networks that provide broadband connectivity. To learn more about the Pilot Program, including its timeline and trainings, visit USAC’s Cybersecurity Pilot web page and sign up for Pilot Program emails. Interested applicants can also visit the FCC’s Cybersecurity web page.
June 12, 2024
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Outage Due to System Maintenance: June 16-17
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and the EPC training site will be unavailable from Sunday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. ET through Monday, June 17 at 1:00 a.m. ET for monthly system maintenance. During this time, users will be unable to log in to and use EPC. We apologize for any inconvenience.
May 30, 2024
Beginning E-Rate Services Webinar: June 20 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (ET).
This session gives applicants and service providers a high-level overview of the next steps in the E-Rate process after equipment and services are funded. Register.
May 13, 2024
American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference
Visit USAC at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference June 27-July 2, 2024, Booth #2926, in San Diego. Event Link.
April 23, 2024
2024 In-Person Training Registration Opens
E-Rate experts will provide training and discuss program updates. There will be time at the end of the sessions for USAC to answer questions from both new and experienced participants.
Registration will open on April 23 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Register for a training by selecting a link below when registration opens.
- E-Rate Training: September 17, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time in Dallas, Texas. Register.
- E-Rate Training: October 7, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time in Washington, D.C. Register.
- E-Rate Training: October 29, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Register.