Category: E-Rate Updates

  • E-rate Update: March 19, 2026

    Executive Summary

    The FY2026 FCC Form 471 application window closes definitively on April 1, 2026. Additionally, a critical change for all USF disbursements mandates active SAM.gov registration with a verified Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on FCC Form 498 and linked bank account, effective August 2026.

    Important Deadlines & Dates

    • April 1, 2026, 11:59:59 p.m. E.T.: FY2026 FCC Form 471 application filing window closes.
    • March 26, 2026, 2 p.m. E.T.: PIA Review Process Webinar.
    • March 31, 2026, 2 p.m. E.T.: Service Provider Webinar.
    • April 1, 2026: Earliest date for Category Two non-recurring service installation and equipment delivery for FY2026.
    • August 2026: All USF disbursements via FCC Form 472 (BEAR) or FCC Form 474 require an active SAM.gov registration with a UEI on FCC Form 498 and a valid bank account.
    • September 15, 2026: E-Rate Training – Phoenix, AZ.
    • September 24, 2026: E-Rate Training – Washington, DC.
    • Annually: SAM.gov account renewal required to receive USF disbursements.

    Critical Updates

    FY2026 FCC Form 471 Filing Window Reminders

    • Interim SPIN: The interim SPIN (143666666) became available on March 18, 2026, for use on FY2026 FCC Form 471 funding requests when a provider’s specific SPIN is unknown.
    • Waiver Requests: If a waiver of the FY2026 FCC Form 471 deadline is necessary, applicants must certify and submit their FCC Form 471 in EPC before filing the waiver request with the FCC.
    • Post-Certification Corrections: For any corrections to a certified FCC Form 471, including entity profile, funding requests, additions, or removals, use a Receipt Acknowledgment Letter (RAL) modification request.

    Categorization of Right-to-Use and Support Licenses

    Both right-to-use and support licenses are classified under Internal Connections (IC). Their categorization as non-recurring or recurring services depends entirely on supporting contract documents and vendor billing:

    • Non-recurring: When supporting documentation reflects fixed (non-recurring) pricing.
    • Recurring: When supporting documentation reflects a monthly recurring charge.

    Advance Installation of Non-Recurring Services

    • Category One (C1): Non-recurring services may be installed up to six months prior to the funding year start (on or after January 1). Conditions apply: construction must begin after competitive bidding, a recurring service must depend on the infrastructure, the service start date must be on or after the funding year, and no invoices (FCC Forms 472 or 474) can be dated prior to July 1 of the funding year.
    • Category Two (C2): Non-recurring service installations may begin as early as April 1 prior to the funding year. Equipment orders for FY2026 can be placed before April 1, 2026, but delivery cannot occur before April 1, 2026. No invoices (FCC Forms 472 or 474) can be certified prior to July 1 of the funding year.

    Guidance for Competitive Bidding and Late Filers

    March 4, 2026, was the last day to certify and submit an FCC Form 470 to meet the 28-day waiting period and file the FY2026 FCC Form 471 by April 1, 2026.

    For applicants who have not yet certified an FCC Form 470:

    1. Certify and submit your FY2026 FCC Form 470 immediately. Upload any RFP documents.
    2. Observe the minimum 28-day waiting period before selecting a service provider, signing a contract, and submitting your FCC Form 471. Adhere to any state/local procurement rules requiring a longer waiting period.
    3. Certify and submit your FCC Form 471. It will initially be in “out-of-window” status.
    4. Promptly request a waiver of the FCC Form 471 application filing window deadline with the FCC, providing detailed circumstances for the late filing. Approved waivers will move the FCC Form 471 to an “in-window” status for PIA review.

    Extended Customer Service Center (CSC) Hours

    The E-Rate CSC will offer extended hours leading up to the April 1, 2026, FCC Form 471 deadline. Call (888) 203-8100 for assistance.

    • Saturday, March 28: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. E.T.
    • Sunday, March 29: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. E.T.
    • Monday, March 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. E.T.
    • Tuesday, March 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. E.T.
    • Wednesday, April 1: 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. E.T.

    SAM.gov Registration for USF Disbursements

    Beginning August 2026, USAC will exclusively use SAM.gov banking information for all Universal Service Fund invoice payments. To continue receiving disbursements, all service providers and applicants using the FCC Form 472 (BEAR) or FCC Form 474 for invoicing must:

    • Maintain an active SAM.gov account.
    • Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) recorded on their FCC Form 498.
    • Have a valid bank account associated with their SAM.gov account.
    • Ensure the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) associated with the UEI in SAM.gov matches the TIN on their FCC Form 498.
    • Annually renew their SAM.gov account. Inactive accounts will prevent funding disbursement.

    To update the FCC Form 498 with the UEI:

    • For Service Providers (in E-File): An FCC Form 498 Company Officer must edit the existing FCC Form 498, navigate to “Federal FEIN, DUNS, FCC Registration Number (CORES ID), and SAM.gov UEI,” enter the UEI, click “Verify,” and then review and certify the form.
    • For E-Rate Applicants (in EPC): A School or Library Official with appropriate permissions must modify the FCC Form 498 through the Records tab, navigate to the “Organization Numbers” page, enter the UEI, click “Verify,” and re-certify the form.

    Changes to the FCC Form 498 typically process in 2-3 business days.

    Current Status

    • FY2026 FCC Form 470s filed: 22,663
    • FY2026 FCC Form 471s filed: 19,500
    • FY2025 Wave 45 Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) released: March 12, 2026
    • FY2025 commitments total: Over $2.61 billion as of March 18, 2026