Upcoming E-Rate FY2026 E-Rate Deadlines and Form 471 Workshop Registration
Hello, E-Rate Community
As a reminder, the upcoming FY2026 E-Rate filing dates/deadlines are:
January 16th, 2026 – Close of FY2026 Admin Window – at 11:59 p.m. ET. This is the period before the Form 471 window opens, when schools and libraries can update their EPC profiles. If updates were not made by the deadline or corrections are needed, plan to provide the information when filing the Form 471 application.
January 21st, 2026 – FY2026 Form 471 Application Window opens at 12:00 noon ET.
March 4th, 2026 – FY2026 Form 470 Application deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET.
April 1st, 2026 – FY2026 Form 471 Application deadline. The window closes at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Form 471 Workshops:
I have completed the schedule for the FY2026 E-Rate Form 471 workshops, all of which are offered via Zoom Meeting. With the upcoming funding year starting a new 5-year Category 2 budget cycle and changes to the Eligible Services List (ESL), the sessions will be split to cover Category 1 and Category 2 separately. This will allow time for questions and discussion. Each session will include a step-by-step walk-through of the application process, form changes, and how to create funding requests.
Please note that each session type is offered on several dates, giving you options for when to attend. Each session starts at 9:30 a.m. and concludes by 11:00 a.m.
To register, go to https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/e-rate-events/ and click on “Register” at your preferred date. Please enter the URL in your browser if the above link does not direct you to my E-Rate Events page.
*If you are with a public library, Form 471 training geared specifically for you will be split to cover Category 1 and Category 2 in separate sessions as well. Click on the following links to register:
- Category 1 (February 10, 2026, 1:30-3:00): https://events.library.ohio.gov/event/16190378
- Category 2 (February 11, 2026, 1:30-3:00): https://events.library.ohio.gov/event/16205925
If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Lorrie
Lorrie Germann
State E-Rate Coordinator
On behalf of the Ohio Department of Education
lorrie.germann@education.ohio.gov
www.ohio-k12.help/erate
Office: 740-223-2420
Cell: 740-253-1153