Arizona Broadband Expansion Fund
Arizona’s vision is for schools statewide to have scalable, affordable and reliable internet access. With access to high-speed broadband, students can take remote classes and receive digital learning opportunities that they never knew existed. The Erate “Special Construction” projects enable educators to dramatically enhance their professional development capabilities and communities will be transformed by the cultural and economic benefits of simply being connected to the Internet (A.R.S 15-249.07).
Semi-Annual Reporting
Arizona Broadband for Education Initiative 2023 Q2 Update
Arizona Broadband for Education Initiative 2023 Q4 Update
Arizona Broadband for Education Initiative 2024 Q2 Update
Broadband Special Construction Tools
State Match Funding Request Form
Example of an RFP Bid evaluation sheet
How does ADE Evaluate Special Construction Funding Requests?
E-Rate Resources
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 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.
Free and Reduced Lunch – Reduced Price Percentage Report
Enrollment Data – Enrollment reports
USDA CEP E-rate - Community Eligibility Provision
USAC's Schools and Libraries Program "Before You Begin" webpage provides thorough documentation of the application process. To start, you might want to check out their application process flowchart.
E-Rate Application Process Flow Chart
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 at [email protected].
- 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.
- 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 $170 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)
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.
E-Rate Requirements In The Use Of A State Master Purchase Agreement
