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.

server room with many cables
Broadband Infrastructure

Idaho Code created the Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (B.I.I.G.) Fund. This fund is available to be distributed to provide state matching funds for eligible special construction projects to deploy new fiber (or fiber-equivalent) for high-speed broadband.

Form 471 Window Opens Soon

The annual Form 471 window opens January 15 and closes March 25. For the best E-Rate experience, file the Form 471 as early as possible!

Recurring training webinars are available during the window each Tuesday at 12pm PT / 1pm MT. Register for as many sessions as you’d like. Register Here.

For assistance filing your Form 471, please schedule an appointment.

Please note: webinar slides will be available at a later date. Previous webinar slides: Download slides

Resources for Idaho Schools

From the Official USAC and FCC Sites

To-Do List

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

Steps for Annual E-Rate Cycle
  1. Planning
  2. Form 470 (if applicable)
  3. Form 471 Funding Application
  4. Receive Funding Commitment and Form 486
  5. Invoicing USAC (applicant or vendor)
  6. Document Retention (10 Years)

For detailed steps, read more at USAC.org

E-Rate-Tasks-Jan25

Eligible Services and Hardware

Please review the 2025 Eligible Services list for complete details

Data Transmission Services and/or Internet Access
  • Internet Access
    • Includes one-time costs and special construction for new fiber infrastructure.
  • Data Transmission (Wide-area network; WAN)
    • Includes Dark Fiber or Self-Provisioned networks
  • Network hardware that makes the service operable
  • *Hotspots to loan to students and staff
  • *Bus Wi-FI

Note: *Hardware and service not eligible for the Broadband Reimbursement Program.

Internal Connections (IC), Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS), and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (BMIC)
  • Internal Connections
    • Includes one-time cost for hardware, and components required to operate hardware
  • Managed Internal Broadband Services (MIBS)
    • Includes recurring services and one-time costs required to operate services
  • Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections
    • Includes costs for upkeep of existing equipment, such as physical or technical maintenance.

Note: No category 2 items are eligible for the Broadband Reimbursement Program.

Some hardware may only be partially eligible due to restrictions on the current year Eligible Services List released by the FCC (for example, firewalls with advanced features). Some hardware SKUs can be researched at the Funds for Learning product eligibility help desk. The data provided on that site is only for estimation; USAC has final determination of eligibility.