E-Rate Made Easy
Resources for Education Technology Leaders
Prepare for the pending E-Rate application season with this resource hub. Gain insights on everything from the logistics and requirements of the program to key considerations for optimizing funding.
NEW WEBINAR | December 11 - 9:30 AM CT
E-Rate Insights and Updates for the 2026 Funding Year
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm (ET)
Join us for an insightful webinar exploring the E-Rate Program, a critical initiative that supports connectivity for schools and libraries across the country. Whether you're new to E-Rate or looking to stay current on recent changes, this session will provide a concise overview, highlight key updates shaping the program’s future, and outline the advocacy efforts driving its continued impact. Bring your questions, as we’ll have an open Q&A at the end of the presentation.
What You’ll Learn:
- How the E-Rate program works and who it serves
- Recent updates and changes to the program
- The role E-Rate plays in bridging the digital divide
Speakers:
Gina Spade
Founder, Broadband Legal Strategies
Joseph Wender
SHLB | Schools, Executive Director
Kitty O’Connor
UDT | Chief of Staff
Navigating the E-Rate Program
The UDT team brings decades of experience supporting K-12 school districts through the E-Rate program. Our professionals regularly engage in USAC learning opportunities and collaborate with legal advisors and consultants who have been involved since the program’s inception.
Please note, while UDT provides guidance and support for E-Rate applicants, USAC is the official authority on all E-Rate program rules, procedures, and funding decisions. Applicants should consult USAC directly for definitive guidance.
What is E-Rate
The E-Rate program, officially known as the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, has been a cornerstone of digital equity in the United States since its inception. Established under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, E-Rate was designed to ensure that schools and libraries—particularly those in rural and underserved communities—could access affordable telecommunications and internet services.
Why E-Rate Was Created
In the mid-1990s, only 14% of U.S. classrooms had internet access. Recognizing the growing importance of digital learning, Congress created E-Rate to help educational institutions overcome financial barriers to connectivity. The program aimed to:
- Bridge the digital divide.
- Promote equitable access to information and learning tools.
- Support educational advancement through technology.
Purpose and Goals
E-Rate provides discounts ranging from 20% to 90% on eligible services, depending on the poverty level of the student population and whether the institution is in a rural or urban area. The program supports:
- Broadband internet access
- Internal connections (e.g., routers, switches, cabling)
- Managed internal broadband services
- Basic maintenance of internal connections
Benefits of the E-Rate Program
The impact of E-Rate has been profound:- Over 90% of schools now have internet access, compared to just 14% in 1996.
- It has enabled digital learning, virtual classrooms, and online testing.
- Studies show improvements in student performance, graduation rates, and college readiness in districts benefiting from E-Rate.
E-Rate Filing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the E-Rate application process involves several key steps:
- FCC Form 470 – Initiates the competitive bidding process for desired services.
- FCC Form 471 – Filed after selecting a vendor; requests funding for eligible services.
- Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) – Issued by USAC to confirm approved funding.
- FCC Form 486 – Confirms the start of services and compliance with CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act).
- Record Retention – Applicants must maintain documentation for at least 10 years for audit purposes.
BEAR (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement)
- Used when the applicant pays the full cost upfront.
- The applicant submits a Form 472 (BEAR) to USAC for reimbursement.
- Funds are disbursed directly to the applicant.
SPI (Service Provider Invoice)
- The service provider bills USAC for the discounted portion.
- The applicant pays only the non-discounted share.
- Requires coordination between the applicant and provider to ensure accurate invoicing.
USAC E-Rate Resources
Eligible Services List (ESL)
Detailed guidance on what products and services are eligible for E-Rate discounts.
View ESL for all funding years
USAC E-Rate Program Overview
Main landing page for applicants and service providers.
https://www.usac.org/e-rate/
USAC Training Resources
Webinars and tutorials for applicants and service providers.
https://www.usac.org/e-rate/trainings/
E-Rate 2025 Critical Updates and Expert Insights for K12 Leaders
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm (ET)
The federal E-Rate program has been a critical funding channel for school districts since its inception, playing a key role in narrowing the digital divide for K12 communities. Listen to knowledgeable legal and industry experts as they outline recent changes and additions made to the program.
In this session, we'll cover:
· Overview of the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
· Analysis of recent circuit court rulings on the constitutionality of the E-Rate program’s funding mechanism
· Update on E-Rate modernization and newly eligible services
· Additional Category 1 and 2 filing updates and reminders
· Update on ongoing advocacy efforts
Gain key insights to leverage during the upcoming funding year and get a better understanding of the current E-Rate landscape.
Speakers:
Keith Krueger
CEO of CoSN
Gina Spade
Founder, Broadband Legal Strategies
Mike Lauer
Fortinet SLED Capture Director
Supported by
Explore E-Rate Insights and Resources
GUIDE
Get instant insights with our comprehensive guide
This guide features insights from Bob Richter, President of E-Rate Provider Services, and George Fernandez, UDT’s VP of Managed Solutions. It explores the history and structure of the E-Rate program, clarifies the differences between MIBS and BMIC, outlines three ways to acquire equipment through E-Rate, and offers a look at the program’s potential future.
Download our free guide now and optimize your E-Rate experience!
GUIDE
Get the most out of the funding and resources
This guide features expertise from UDT’s Mike Sanchez (CISO & CP of Cybersecurity Solutions), George Fernandez (VP of Managed Solutions), and Fortinet’s SLED Capture Directors, Mike Lauer and Peter Kaplan. It covers key K-12 cybersecurity challenges, strategies to strengthen defenses with or without E-Rate, how MIBS reduces risk, recurring non-E-Rate funding opportunities, and available resources to help schools navigate cybersecurity effectively.
Download our free guide now and optimize your E-Rate to enhance
your security posture!
WEBINAR
E-Rate 2025 Critical Updates and Expert Insights for K12 Leaders
The federal E-Rate program has long been vital in helping school districts bridge the digital divide. In this webinar, legal and industry experts will discuss recent updates and changes to the program, including the new Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, recent court rulings on E-Rate’s funding mechanism, modernization efforts, new eligible services, and important filing updates for Categories 1 and 2. Gain valuable insights to navigate the current E-Rate landscape and prepare for the upcoming funding year.
SPEAKERS:
Keith Krueger
CEO of CoSN
Gina Spade
Founder, Broadband Legal Strategies
Mike Lauer
Fortinet SLED Capture Director
Supported by
WEBINAR
Beyond E-Rate: How To Fortify Your Infrastructure with Cybersecurity
While the E-Rate Program funds essential technology infrastructure, it currently lacks cybersecurity coverage. This webinar will explore how to protect your E-Rate–eligible equipment and services, identify alternative funding sources, and leverage free resources to strengthen your district’s security posture. Topics include top K-12 cybersecurity threats, E-Rate limitations, the FCC’s proposed cybersecurity funding expansion, alternative funding options, and free tools for security awareness and student training.
SPEAKERS:
George Fernandez
VP, Managed Solutions at UDT
Mike Sanchez
CISO & SVP Cybersecurity Solutions at UDT
Peter Kaplan
Fortinet SLED Capture Director
Supported by
WEBINAR
Unlock Funding for Your Schools: How to Leverage the E-Rate Program
Staying organized is key to maximizing E-Rate benefits—and it starts with a clear technology roadmap. In this webinar, UDT’s E-Rate experts will share important program updates and provide practical steps for accessing and optimizing E-Rate funding. Topics include a brief program history, an overview of Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS) and how to leverage them, options for obtaining equipment and services, differences between MIBS and basic maintenance, and guidance for navigating potential changes under the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
SPEAKERS:
Bob Richter
President, E-Rate Provider Services
George Fernandez
VP, Managed Solutions at UDT
Supported by
No time to view the recording? No worries.
Get the most out of the funding and resources available through E-Rate and beyond.
This guide—a culmination of the highlights from our recent webinar—will share insights from UDT presenters Mike Sanchez, CISO & CP of Cybersecurity Solutions, and George Fernandez, VP of Managed Solutions, along with our expert partners from Fortinet, SLED Capture Directors Mike Lauer and Peter Kaplan. Here's what you'll gain:
- Top cybersecurity challenges facing K12
- How to fortify cybersecurity with (and without) E-Rate
- How MIBS helps schools reduce risk
- Non-E-Rate recurring cybersecurity funding opportunities
- Navigating cybersecurity (available resources and support services)
Download our free guide now and optimize your E-Rate to enhance your security posture!
Beyond E-Rate: How To Fortify Your Infrastructure with Cybersecurity (Alternative Funding Sources + Free Resources)
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm (ET)
Cybersecurity breaches are on the rise for K12. In fact, nearly 50 school districts have been hit by ransomware attacks in 2023 so far, surpassing 2022 numbers. While the E-Rate Program has been instrumental in providing funding for critical technology infrastructure and services, there remains a notable void in its coverage—cybersecurity funding. Attend this webinar to learn how best to protect your E-Rate eligible equipment and services, then walk away with alternative funding sources and free resources to support your school district's security posture.
In this session, we'll cover:
· Top cybersecurity threats to K12 with examples
· Current limitations in E-Rate coverage
· Potential impact of recent FCC proposal to include cybersecurity funding in E-Rate
· Alternative funding sources for K12 security infrastructure and services and how to optimize for your school district
· Free resources for security awareness and training, including Student Cybersecurity Curriculum
Speakers:
George Fernandez
VP, Managed Solutions at UDT
Mike Sanchez
CISO & SVP Cybersecurity Solutions at UDT
Peter Kaplan
Fortinet SLED Capture Director
Moderator – Kevin Hogan
Content Director, eSchool News
Supported by
No time to view the recording? No worries.
Get instant insights with our comprehensive guide.
This guide—a culmination of the highlights from our recent webinar—will share insights from presenters Bob Richter, President of E-Rate Provider Services, and George Fernandez, VP of Managed Solutions at UDT. Here's what you'll gain:
- A timeline of the E-Rate program history
- A breakdown of the current E-Rate program structure
- The differences between MIBS and BMIC with affordances and limitations
- Three methods for acquiring your equipment through E-Rate
- A look at the potential future for E-Rate
Download our free guide now and optimize your E-Rate experience!
Unlock Funding for Your Schools: How to Leverage the E-Rate Program
You can never be too organized when it comes to E-Rate—and it all starts by creating an effective technology roadmap to follow throughout the funding cycle. Attend this webinar to learn about important updates to the E-Rate program from the E-Rate experts at UDT and come away with clearly defined steps for accessing and leveraging E-Rate funding for your schools.
In this session, we’ll cover the following:
· A brief program history
· Definition of Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS) and how you can leverage E-Rate to tap this resource
· Your options for obtaining equipment and services with E-Rate
· The differences between MIBS and basic maintenance
· How to navigate a possible future under the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
Speakers:
Bob Richter
President, E-Rate Provider Services
George Fernandez
VP, Managed Solutions at UDT
Moderator – Kevin Hogan
Content Director, eSchool News
Supported by
Accomplish More With UDT
Your Partner in E-Rate—How UDT Works With You (as Allowed) to Navigate the Post-Award Process.
Optimize funding around your unique needs with UDT’s dedicated team of experts. With over a decade of experience delivering full-coverage technology and IT solutions to K12 districts around the nation, we at UDT pride ourselves on providing professionalism, ethics, reliability, accuracy, and discernment in helping clients optimize for E-Rate discounts.
What You Get With UDT
A True Partner Experience. Post-award, we can assist, as allowed and upon request, with the filing process to minimize the filing workload. Our primary objective is to help you make the most of the E-Rate process, including optimizing your funding and maintaining compliance with program rules.
The Latest E-Rate Expertise. We keep everyone on our team—including our experts, leadership, and even our account billing department—trained on the latest in E-Rate to help ensure compliance with program rules.. We are also a part of advocacy organizations like CoSN and utilize the guidance of experienced third-party consultants who’ve worked with school districts and the E-Rate Program for years.
Full-Coverage E-Rate Delivery Capabilities. Our state-of-the-art Integration and Support Center is equipped with all that is required to order, stage, asset track, install, and manage all equipment. UDT also provides solutions across Lifecycle Services, Cybersecurity, IT Managed Services, Cloud Infrastructure, and more ensuring full coverage for your unique needs.
Logistical Support and Collaboration. When we say we will handle all things E-Rate, (within program rules) we mean it. As allowable, UDT can work with you on any paperwork associated with the E-Rate payment and reimbursement process and/or USAC or FCC appeals; track FCC decisions affecting the program and provide guidance; monitor all appeals and audit decisions issued by the FCC; monitor all Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) board meetings and public communications; and communicate regularly with federal and state education officials, FCC and congressional staff, and other members of the technology and education community.
A Reputation You Can Count On. UDT has supported K12 with world-class technology and IT services since 1995. We currently serve 8 of the 10 largest K12 school districts in the nation and rank among the top 15 providers nationwide.
Schedule your technology strategy consultation and see how you can benefit from UDT’s full-coverage capabilities. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.
Contact UDT today to learn more about how we can help you get the most out of E-Rate.
Click the button, call (800) 882-9919 or visit udtonline.com.
Related Resources
Your Guide To E-Rate 2024-2025: Application Timeline, Eligibility, and More
As COVID relief funding sunsets this September 2024, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) annual E-Rate Program will become increasingly important for schools and libraries seeking to refresh and maintain their technology stack.
How To Select Your E-Rate Service Provider—An 8-Step Roadmap
The E-Rate Program can seem overwhelming. Successfully determine the right qualities in your E-Rate service provider with our 8-step roadmap of considerations to assist you in selecting the ideal E-Rate service provider for your unique situation.
Why Apply E-Rate Funding For MIBS—What Is It and How School Can Benefit
Using E-Rate for MIBS offers a multitude of advantages for educational institutions seeking to enhance their digital learning environments. Compare and discover the benefits that set it apart from BMIC.
What the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program Means for Schools
The FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program is a strategic move to protect data and privacy in our nation’s K12 schools and libraries, addressing the rising tide of cyber threats.
E-Rate Needs Cybersecurity Funding—What This Decision Would Mean for K12
While the E-Rate Program has been instrumental in providing funding for critical technology infrastructure and services, there remains a notable void in its coverage—cybersecurity funding.
Your Guide To E-Rate 2023-2024: Application Timeline, Eligibility, and More
As COVID relief funding sunsets next September 2024, the E-Rate Program will become increasingly important for schools and libraries seeking to refresh and maintain their technology stack.
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Copyright © 2025 United Data Technologies, All rights reserved.
For detailed guidance and support on the E-rate program, including specific guidelines pertaining to eligibility, application procedures, and program rules, please consult the Federal Communications website at www.fcc.gov and Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) at www.usac.org.
The information provided in this content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute professional or legal advice. United Data Technologies, Inc. (UDT) make no warranty, express or implied, nor assume any legal liability or any responsibility for the accuracy, correctness, completeness, or any actions taken on the information provided. Always consult a qualified professional for specific guidance.
*Please refer to the Universal Service Administrative Company for additional information, including their “How to File an FCC Form 470” learning module and “FCC Form 470 Services Guiding Statements Reference Table FY2025” to help get started with the FY2025 competitive bidding process.
Aug. 2, 2024 (USAC Announcement) - The learning module walks applicants through the steps for submitting Category 1 and Category 2 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 determine which dropdown menus to select on the FCC Form 470 when requesting specific types of equipment and services.