E-Rate

The E-Rate program helps eligible schools and libraries obtain affordable telecommunications and internet services through federal funding support. Idaho’s E-Rate resources assist schools in navigating program requirements, improving connectivity, and expanding access to digital learning opportunities.

Reliable broadband access is essential for classroom instruction, online learning, administrative operations, and student engagement. E-Rate support helps schools maintain and enhance the technology infrastructure needed to support modern education environments.

E-Rate

E-Rate is an annual funding program overseen by USAC and the FCC to make Internet services and hardware available to schools nationwide. Please contact us to schedule virtual training or assistance any time.

Funding Year 2026 Application Window

The FCC Form 471 application window for Funding Year 2026 opens January 21. 2026 and closes April 1, 2026 at 9:59pm MT (8:59pm PT). Funding Year 2026 begins 7/1/2026 and ends 6/30/2027. To participate in the Broadband Reimbursement Program, schools must receive a Funding Commitment Decision Letter for their Funding Year 2026 Category 1 services. Last date to post a Form 470 and wait the required 28 calendar days before awarding a contract is March 4, 2026. For up-to-date information and training resources, please visit the E-Rate training website and subscribe to the USAC News Brief

Resources for Idaho Schools

E-Rate Customer Support Center: 888-203-8100
E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)

E-Rate Task Table

E-Rate Checklist 2025-26

Admin Window 2025

From the Official USAC and FCC Sites

All Orders Regarding E-Rate (FCC)

To-Do List

Please contact us for assistance, or to schedule a consultation.

Steps for Annual E-Rate Cycle

Planning
Form 470 (if applicable)
Form 471 Funding Application
Receive Funding Commitment and Form 486
Invoicing USAC (applicant or vendor)
Document Retention (10 Years)

For detailed steps, read more at USAC.org

Download E-Rate Form Table

E-Rate and Broadband Form Table

Annual E-rate Cycle for different School Year
Annual E-Rate Cycle:	Applies To School Year (E-Rate Funding Year):
Step 1: Plan Step 2: Form 470 (if applicable) Step 3: Form 471 Funding Application Step 4: Receive Funding Commitment, Form 486 Step 5: Invoice USAC (applicant or vendor) Step 6: Documentation Retention (10 years)	1. SY 26-27 (Funding Year 2026) 2. SY 26-27 (Funding Year 2026) 3. Open Now – Closes Wed. April 1, 9:59pm MT 4. SY 25-26 (Funding Year 2025) 5. SY 25-26 (Funding Year 2025) 6. All

FCC E-Rate forms at a glance — when each is filed, its purpose, timeline, and place in the annual funding cycle.
FCC Form	470	Admin Window	471	486	472	500, or Service Substitution
When	For new contracts	Every Year				As needed
Purpose	Solicit bids/quotes for service/hardware	Maintain current information	Apply For Funding	Enables Invoicing	E-Rate Invoicing	Report a change to a funded application
Timeline	July – January	November – December	January – March	Once service and/or hardware is officially delivered and in use.	Invoice E-Rate for reimbursement. Not applicable if service provider discounts line item.	500: Changes involving dates on application, deadlines, cancellations. Service Substitution: Change bandwidth or vendor/hardware.
Step	Step 2	Step 1	Step 3	Step 4	Step 5	As needed