E-Rate 2025
Automated and secure networking for modern learning.
Get Expert Advice on How to Navigate E-Rate
E-Rate 2025 is a use-it-or-lose-it-year, so don’t lose out on Year 5 funds that are still available for your school district or library. Schools and libraries have a huge opportunity to leverage E-Rate funds for high-speed broadband, enhancing the performance, reliability, and security of their data networks.
But it can be a daunting process with many considerations to make.
Navigating the E-Rate process can be daunting, with many factors to consider. As an experienced E-Rate-approved vendor, Extreme Networks is well-equipped to help schools and libraries navigate and maximize their E-Rate funding opportunities. We are eager to share our expertise to enable your success in obtaining E-Rate funding.
Our Essential Guide for E-Rate Success is an excellent starting point. It provides clear explanations of the E-Rate process and outlines essential steps, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced schools.
The E-Rate Process: An Overview
Although the E-Rate process can vary from year to year and may seem overwhelming to first-time applicants unfamiliar with the system, it can be easily broken down into five easy-to-understand segments:
First, gather your district or school’s student enrollment data and determine your school’s urban or rural classification to calculate your National School Lunch Program percentage. This percentage can be used to determine your E-Rate discount rate.
START HERE: USAC URBAN / RURAL CLASSIFICATION LOOKUP TOOL STEP ONE: MAKE A PLAN, RETRIEVE DATA, AND PREPARE YOUR RFPAfter completing your preliminary research, it is time to file two separate forms with the USAC. The first form, Form 470, officially begins the E-Rate process by notifying interested vendors and service providers that you are applying for E-Rate funding. The filing window for FY25 has yet to be announced but will be posted to the USAC E-Rate Productivity Center when available. This portal is also where you can submit both Forms 470 and 471.
The second form, Form 471, is a formal request for discounts on eligible services and equipment for the upcoming E-Rate season. Please note that Form 471 cannot be submitted until at least 28 days after the certification of Form 470, allowing vendors time to bid on your E-Rate-related projects. Form 471 will also specify your chosen bidder and associated requested costs.
During the Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) process, your E-Rate application forms and procedures are reviewed for compliance. Throughout this process, you will likely receive a series of questions that require prompt responses. At the conclusion of the PIA process, a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) will be sent to all parties, detailing the funding status and amount. Please note that you have 15 days to respond to any questions raised during the PIA process. This deadline is strict, so keep that in mind during the filing and certification of Form 471 and watch for any PIA communications.
USAC Application Review Process STEP THREEOnce the PIA compliance check has been completed and certified, you will need to file Form 486. This form formally initiatives the projects that have been approved and certified, effectively turning on the funding pipeline. After submission, a notification letter will be sent to all parties involved, allowing you to start the project or service.
USAC Form 486 STEP FOUR: FILE FORM 486There are two distinct methods to invoice for projects and services rendered through the E-Rate program, each requiring different forms to complete the payment process.
Method One: Use Form 472, Billed Entity Application Reimbursement (BEAR), to pay the vendor in full and request reimbursement directly from USAC.
Method Two: Use Form 474, Service Provider Invoice (SPI), to have the vendor invoice both the school and USAC directly for their respective portions of the projects and services rendered.
USAC Invoicing Step Five: Invoicing and Follow UpThat’s all there is to it! Five simple steps, and an upgraded infrastructure for your institution and your classrooms. Of course, we’re always here to help — please feel free to reach out to our State and Local Education teams if you have any further questions; we’d be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
Contact Us – The Extreme Education Team Upgrade InfrastructureE-Rate 2025 Program Updates and Best Practices
Join our experienced team of E-Rate experts to gain valuable insights into the latest program updates and uncover best practices for your funding journey. This session covers:
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Updates to the E-Rate Program: Stay informed about the most recent changes and enhancements to the E-Rate program that could impact your funding opportunities.
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Overview of Program Guidelines: Get a comprehensive understanding of the essential guidelines that govern E-Rate process, ensuring you are well-prepared to navigate your application.
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Important Deadlines and Dates: Learn about critical deadlines and key dates to remember, which will help you plan effectively and avoid missing any important milestones.
Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed for a successful funding experience!