E-Rate News
FCC NPRM Proposing Major Changes to E-Rate Program Now Published in The Federal Register
Hello E-Rate Community, As previously mentioned, the FCC released two E-Rate NPRMs — a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for “Ensuring Children’s Safe Use of Screens and E-Rate-Funded Services” and “Promoting Fair and Open...
USAC Postpones Transition to SAM.gov Banking Information
Hello E-Rate Community, USAC has announced the postponement of the scheduled August 10th transition to SAM.gov banking information to perform additional testing and validation. Once a new transition date is determined, they will share that information. August invoices will continue...
USAC Announces Date for Transition to SAM.gov Banking Information For Reimbursements
Hello E-Rate Community, USAC has announced that, effective August 10, 2026, it will begin using SAM.gov banking information to remit payments for all Universal Service Fund (USF) invoices. E-Rate applicants who invoice using the Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) method...
FCC Announces Proposed Rulemakings on CIPA and E-Rate Program Integrity
Hello E-Rate Community, You may have already heard that the FCC has released two E-Rate NPRMs — a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for “Ensuring Children’s Safe Use of Screens and E-Rate-Funded Services” and...
Form 498 – Adding UEI Number & Banking Info Reminder
Good afternoon, E-Rate Community. This is a reminder that beginning in August 2026, USAC will use SAM.gov banking information to pay all Universal Service Fund (USF) invoices. To continue receiving USF disbursements, all E-Rate participants who use the FCC Form...
FCC Adopts E-Rate Competitive Bidding Portal and Provides Additional Guidance on Program Rules
Hello E-Rate Community, Per USAC’s March 21st News Brief, the FCC adopted a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (FCC 26-30) on April 30, 2026, to strengthen E-Rate program integrity by creating a competitive bidding portal, streamlining program rules,...
The First Wave of E-Rate Funding Letters for FY 2026 Has Been Released!
Good afternoon E-Rate Community, USAC has released the first wave of funding letters for FY2026! Congratulations to the following 896 Ohio schools and libraries (1182 separate FRNs), committing $27,395,485.00. This wave includes commitments for both Category 1 and Category 2...
E-Rate Portal Sending Out “Create Form 471” Emails
Good morning E-Rate Community, You may receive an email from the EPC portal with the subject line "New Task: Create FCC Form 471". This could happen if you have any incomplete Form 471's in the system. To check if that's...
EPC Phishing Emails Received – Beware!
Hello E-Rate Community, It’s just come to our attention that some E-Rate applicants have received emails that appear to be a phishing attempt. The email has a subject line of “Service Provider Document, E-Rate Productivity Center” and is from the...
E-Rate Form 498 – Adding UEI Number & Banking Info Updates
Hello E-Rate Community, Per the April News Brief, USAC reminds us that, beginning in August 2026, they will use SAM.gov banking information to pay all Universal Service Fund (USF) invoices. To continue receiving USF disbursements, all service providers and E-Rate...
