Arizona E-Rate Program
The E-Rate Program is a national program offered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers the Universal Service Fund on behalf of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). As an independent not-for-profit under the guidance of the FCC, USAC’s mission is to bring the high-speed Internet (broadband) to areas of the country underserved by existing utilities. The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program helps schools and libraries connect to broadband Internet and voice services at discounted rates.
Link to Free and Reduced Lunch numbers: http://www.azed.gov/hns/frp/
Funding Year 2018—It’s Time to Get Started
With the new changes and updates to the E-rate program, we highly recommend that Arizona schools and districts begin preparing for the Funding Year 2018 application now.
Applying for E-Rate
Application Process Overview
USAC’s Schools and Libraries Program “Before You Begin” web page provides thorough documentation of the application process. To start, you might want to check out their application process flowchart.
Acquire an EPC Login
An E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) account is required to apply for the program. If you do not already have an account, contact Arizona’s E-rate Coordinator, Milan Eaton.
Filling out Form 470
- Category 1 and Category 2 services can be submitted on the same 470. You can also submit multiple 470s.
- Dates and spellings must be consistent across applications and the FRN. Many applications are rejected due to simple, easy to fix, errors. Double-check all applications and forms before filing.
- Multi-year contracts, up to 5 years, makes the application process more streamlined.
- New FCC Form 470 will be only online and is available now.
Filling Out Form 471
- ALL applicants must file their FCC Form 471 online.
- Item 21 is embedded in the FCC Form 471 beginning 2015.
- Discounts are calculated for the organization as a whole.
- Rural status is determined at the district/system level and only if more than 50% of schools are rural.
- Do not request more than $150 per student over a 5 year term (It will save you PIA questions later)
- Include a full list of all Item 21 items (It will save questions later)
Following Up
On the day the FCDLs are mailed, you can check to see if you have a commitment by using USAC’s Automated Search of Commitments tool.
