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E-Rate News & Announcements
All USAC E-Rate announcements, summarized by AI for E-Rate participants.
25 announcements
E-Rate Program Audits
USAC has released resources to help schools and service providers prepare for and navigate E-Rate audits, which all program participants may face at any time. The Common Audit Findings page identifies the most frequent problem areas discovered during Beneficiary and Contributor Audit Program (BCAP) audits and Payment Quality Assurance (PQA) reviews, giving participants insight into where audits typically focus. Additionally, USAC provides two separate documentation lists—one for BCAP audits and one for PQA reviews—that specify exactly which records and materials auditors will request if your organization is selected. Schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators should review these resources now to understand audit requirements and begin organizing their documentation accordingly, rather than waiting until an audit notice arrives. By familiarizing yourself with common audit findings and required documentation in advance, you can strengthen your compliance posture and streamline the audit process if your organization is selected.
Read full announcementJun 18, 2026FY2026 Invoicing Begins on July 1
# FY2026 E-Rate Invoicing Now Open Starting July 1, schools and their service providers can begin submitting invoices to USAC for the discounted portion of approved FY2026 equipment and services, provided that USAC has already committed funding and processed the school's FCC Form 486. Before any invoices will be accepted or payments disbursed, all service providers must have their FY2026 FCC Form 473 (Service Provider Annual Certification) filed with USAC—this is a mandatory prerequisite that cannot be skipped. E-Rate coordinators and service providers should understand that invoicing cannot proceed without both the Form 486 approval on the school side and the Form 473 on file for each service provider involved. Anyone new to the invoicing process or needing a refresher on filing requirements should register for USAC's E-Rate Service Providers Webinar, which covers the Form 473 annual certification, step-by-step invoicing procedures, and other critical reminders. The key action item is for service providers to ensure their Form 473 is submitted immediately if not already on file, and for schools to verify their Form 486 has been processed before attempting to invoice.
Read full announcementJun 18, 2026New FCC Form 498 UEI Data Tools
Beginning in August 2026, USAC will transition to using banking information from SAM.gov instead of the FCC Form 498 to pay all Universal Service Fund invoices, affecting service providers, schools, and other E-Rate applicants who receive USF disbursements. To ensure uninterrupted payments after this deadline, all participants must have three things in place: an active SAM.gov account, a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) listed on an approved FCC Form 498, and a valid bank account linked to their SAM.gov profile. USAC has created two confirmation tools to help you verify your readiness—the Service Provider 498 UEI Confirmation Tool for vendors and the E-Rate Applicant 498 UEI Confirmation Tool for schools and other applicants filing FCC Form 472—so you can check whether your UEI is properly registered on your most recent approved 498 form. You should use these tools immediately to identify any gaps in your account setup, and if your UEI is missing or your banking information is not current on SAM.gov, you need to take corrective action well before August 2026 to avoid payment delays.
Read full announcementJun 18, 2026Don’t Wait to Register Your Entity on SAM.gov and Obtain a UEI if You Invoice USAC
Beginning August 2026, USAC will change how it pays Universal Service Fund invoices by using banking information directly from SAM.gov, meaning all service providers filing FCC Form 474 and all E-Rate applicants using FCC Form 472/BEAR for invoicing must have an active SAM.gov account with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) listed on their FCC Form 498 and a valid bank account linked to that SAM.gov account. If you believe you already have these items in place, you should verify your UEI is on file in E-File or EPC, confirm your SAM.gov account is active with a valid linked bank account, and note your annual renewal due date. If you do not have an active SAM.gov account with a UEI and linked bank account, you need to register on SAM.gov immediately—a process that can take up to six weeks—and then link your automatically-assigned UEI to your bank account and add the UEI to FCC Form 498. Since the registration timeline is lengthy and your SAM.gov account must remain active to receive any USF disbursements, USAC strongly recommends starting this process as soon as possible rather than waiting until closer to the August 2026 deadline. Additional guidance is available on USAC's SAM.gov UEI Requirement webpage.
Read full announcementMay 21, 2026Beginning E-Rate Services Webinar
# Beginning E-Rate Services Webinar Summary USAC is hosting a Beginning E-Rate Services Webinar on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time to help E-Rate participants understand the next steps in the process after equipment and services receive funding. This webinar is designed for E-Rate participants at all levels, including K-12 schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in the program who wants to deepen their understanding of post-funding obligations and procedures. The session will provide a high-level overview of what comes after the funding stage, helping participants navigate the subsequent phases of the E-Rate process successfully. Those interested in attending should register for the webinar through USAC's registration portal to secure their spot and receive any necessary login information.
Read full announcementMay 21, 2026Service Providers: Don’t Forget to File
Service providers participating in the E-Rate program must file and certify the FCC Form 473 (Service Provider Annual Certification) in the E-Rate Productivity Center for each program year, and those who have not yet submitted their FY2026 certification should do so immediately. This requirement affects all service providers who want to receive E-Rate reimbursement, as USAC cannot process any invoices from applicants or service providers unless both the FCC Form 486 and the SPAC form have been certified and approved by both parties. Service providers who fail to submit the required SPAC form will be referred to the FCC Enforcement Bureau for further action, which will also prevent the schools and libraries they serve from submitting BEAR reimbursement requests. Schools and E-Rate coordinators should be aware that their service providers' compliance with this requirement directly impacts their ability to seek reimbursement, making it essential to confirm that all service providers have completed their annual certifications. Step-by-step instructions for filing the FCC Form 473 are available in the E-Rate Service Provider Course 1 learning module in the EPC.
Read full announcementMay 21, 2026E-Rate Invoicing Webinar
USAC is hosting an E-Rate Invoicing Webinar on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time to help E-Rate applicants and service providers understand the invoicing process, including the differences between BEAR and SPI invoicing methods used in FCC Form 472 and FCC Form 474 submissions. The webinar will address critical topics such as invoice deadlines, how to file invoices, and the review process. Both schools and service providers of all experience levels should review their respective eLearning Module courses before attending to get the most value from the session. Interested participants should register for the webinar immediately to secure their spot and ensure they have the knowledge needed to handle invoicing correctly and meet all E-Rate deadlines.
Read full announcementMay 21, 2026Open Data Webinar Part 1: Open Data Overview
USAC is hosting the first webinar in a two-part series on Open Data, its data sharing platform designed to enhance the E-Rate program experience for all participants including K-12 schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators. The webinar, titled "Open Data Webinar Part 1: Open Data Overview," will take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. E.T. and will provide an overview of E-Rate specific tools and datasets available through the Open Data platform. All E-Rate stakeholders should plan to attend to understand how this platform can help them access and utilize E-Rate program data more effectively. Participants interested in attending should register before the webinar date to secure their spot, and they can expect a follow-up second webinar that will likely dive deeper into specific Open Data features and applications.
Read full announcementMay 21, 2026Funding Year (FY) 2026 Commitments
USAC has released the FY2026 funding commitments across three waves in May, with Wave 1 issued on May 1 and Waves 2 and 3 following on May 7 and May 14, bringing total commitments to over $1.05 billion as of May 20. This announcement affects schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators who are waiting to learn about their approved funding for the 2026 funding year. When Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) are issued, recipients can access their notifications directly through the Notifications section on their EPC landing page, making it easy to track approval status without searching through multiple documents. Participants can also use the E-Rate Search Commitments Tool to review historical commitment data from prior funding years, which may help with budgeting and planning purposes. No specific action or deadline is required at this time; schools and service providers should simply monitor their EPC accounts for FCDL notifications and use available tools to access their commitment information once issued.
Read full announcementMay 21, 2026Open Data Webinar Part 2: Creating Reports and Visualizations
USAC is hosting a follow-up webinar on June 25, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. E.T. called "Open Data Webinar Part 2: Creating Reports and Visualizations" that will benefit E-Rate coordinators, school administrators, and service providers looking to better leverage program data. This advanced session builds on the foundational "Open Data Overview" webinar and will provide practical instruction on how to use E-Rate data tools to create customized reports and visual representations of E-Rate information. Participants should have completed Webinar 1 before attending this session to ensure they have the necessary background knowledge. Those interested in attending should register for the webinar soon, as the event is scheduled for June 25, 2026, and spots may fill up quickly.
Read full announcementMay 21, 2026FCC Form 498 E-Learning Module for Applicants Now Available
USAC has released a new e-learning module to help applicants understand how to file or modify an FCC Form 498, specifically focusing on adding a SAM.gov-generated UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) before an August transition deadline. This resource is designed for schools, school districts, and other applicants who use the BEAR invoicing method with FCC Form 472 to submit invoices to USAC. The module provides step-by-step guidance on both submitting a new Form 498 and updating an existing one to include the required UEI identifier. All E-Rate applicants who invoice through BEAR should review this training material and take action to update their Form 498 with their UEI before the August deadline to ensure uninterrupted invoicing and compliance with the new requirements. The e-learning module is available now in the E-Rate Videos section on USAC's website and should be completed as soon as possible given the approaching transition date.
Read full announcementApr 23, 2026In-Person E-Rate Training 2026
USAC is hosting in-person E-Rate training events in 2026 to help K-12 schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators learn about program updates and get answers to their questions from E-Rate experts. Two training sessions are scheduled: one in Phoenix, Arizona on September 15, 2026, at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, and another in Washington, DC on September 24, 2026, at the FCC headquarters. Registration for both events opens on April 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, and interested participants should register early through the provided links. For those unable to attend in person, both trainings will be streamed live on the FCC's YouTube channel, making them accessible to participants nationwide. Whether you're new to the E-Rate program or experienced, these events offer valuable opportunities to stay current on program changes and connect directly with USAC experts.
Read full announcementApr 16, 2026FY2026 Window Waiver Requests
# FY2026 Window Waiver Process Update Schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators seeking to file FY2026 applications after the standard deadline must submit their FCC Form 471 in the E-Rate Productivity Center and certify it before requesting a waiver from the FCC. After certification, applicants will receive an out-of-window status notification, which is a normal part of this process and does not indicate rejection. If the FCC approves the waiver request, the late-filed Form 471 will be considered timely and eligible for funding consideration. All participants who anticipate missing the FY2026 filing window should plan to complete their form certification first, then submit their waiver request promptly to maximize the chance of approval, and should refer to the E-Rate Appeals Waiver Guide for detailed guidance on the waiver request procedures and requirements.
Read full announcementApr 16, 2026FCC Updates Suspension and Debarment Rules
# E-Rate Suspension and Debarment Rules Update The FCC has updated its suspension and debarment rules to give it stronger tools for removing companies and individuals who engage in misconduct from participating in FCC programs, including the E-Rate program (USF), Telecommunications Relay Services, and the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. These changes align with federal government-wide standards and allow the FCC to act more quickly and consider a broader range of misconduct when deciding to exclude bad actors from its programs. The new rules will require all program participants—including schools, service providers, and their subcontractors—to disclose any prior misconduct, which means E-Rate applicants and vendors should review their compliance history and ensure complete transparency in their dealings with USAC. The FCC is also seeking public comment on whether these suspension and debarment rules should extend to the Supply Chain Reimbursement program and any future initiatives. While no specific action deadline has been announced at this time, all schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators should be prepared to provide disclosure of any past violations or misconduct if requested, and should ensure their vendors and contractors understand these heightened compliance expectations going forward.
Read full announcementApr 16, 2026Service Providers: Have You Filed the FCC Form 473?
Service providers must file their annual FCC Form 473 (Service Provider Annual Certification) in the EPC system for FY2026 and all prior funding years, as USAC began sending reminder notices on April 2, 2026, and will continue through June 30, 2026. This requirement applies to all service providers seeking payment, since federal rules mandate an annual SPAC filing and USAC cannot process any invoices—including FCC Forms 472 (BEAR) or 474 (SPI)—without a completed Form 473 on file for the corresponding funding year. Only users with Full or Partial Rights access can complete the SPAC directly in EPC, and service providers can verify their filing status by checking their organization's summary page in EPC or by using the E-Rate FRN Invoicing Deadline Tool to search their Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) and review the "SPAC Filed?" column. Service providers who have not yet filed should complete their annual SPAC immediately using the step-by-step guidance in the FCC Form 473 (SPAC) User Guide to avoid payment delays and ensure compliance with the June 30, 2026, deadline for USAC's reminder notifications. K-12 schools and E-Rate coordinators should alert their service providers to verify and submit their certifications promptly, as missing this requirement will directly impact the school's ability to receive reimbursement for services rendered.
Read full announcementApr 8, 2026FCC Suspends Seven Convicted Criminals from Universal Service Fund Programs
# FCC Strengthens Enforcement Against E-Rate Fraud On April 7, 2026, the FCC suspended seven individuals from participating in Universal Service Fund programs after they were convicted of defrauding the E-Rate program through schemes involving false statements to USAC and overbilling. This action reflects the FCC's broader commitment to combating fraud, waste, and abuse across all Universal Service Fund programs that serve schools and libraries. The FCC has also voted to update its suspension and debarment rules, giving the agency stronger tools to act more quickly and comprehensively against individuals and entities that engage in wrongdoing. While this announcement primarily affects service providers and vendors who work with E-Rate programs, K-12 schools and E-Rate coordinators should be aware of these enforcement actions as part of the overall integrity safeguards protecting program funds. No immediate action is required by schools or coordinators, but stakeholders should stay informed about updated rules and continue following proper procedures for vendor selection, contract management, and billing to ensure compliance. For detailed information about the specific individuals suspended and the updated enforcement rules, participants should review the FCC's full press release.
Read full announcementMar 31, 2026FCC Bans Seven Convicted E-Rate Fraudsters from USF Programs
# E-Rate Program Enforcement Action On March 20, 2026, the FCC imposed a permanent ban on seven individuals convicted of E-Rate fraud, prohibiting them from participating in any Universal Service Fund-supported programs going forward. These individuals' companies fraudulently obtained over $14 million in E-Rate funding between 2010 and 2016 by billing the government for equipment and services that were never actually provided to schools. This enforcement action directly affects service providers and their corporate structures, as schools and E-Rate coordinators must ensure they do not contract with any of these banned individuals or entities they control. While no immediate action is required from schools or coordinators at this time, participants should be aware of this ban and remain vigilant in their vendor due diligence processes to avoid inadvertently working with ineligible parties. Schools and service providers are encouraged to review the FCC's press release for the specific names and details of the banned individuals to ensure compliance with USF program requirements.
Read full announcementMar 19, 2026Extended CSC Hours for Final Days of the Application Filing Window
The E-Rate Customer Service Center is extending its operating hours during the final days before the April 1, 2026 deadline for FY2026 FCC Form 471 applications to help schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators resolve last-minute questions and technical issues. Beginning Saturday, March 28 through Wednesday, April 1, the CSC will operate on an expanded schedule, including weekend hours (12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday) and extended weekday hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 30-31, and 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the final deadline day). All times are Eastern Time, and applicants can reach the CSC at (888) 203-8100 for assistance. Schools, service providers, and their E-Rate coordinators should plan to reach out during these extended hours if they encounter any obstacles while completing and submitting their FY2026 applications before the April 1 deadline.
Read full announcementMar 19, 2026Funding Year (FY) 2025 Commitments
USAC has released FY2025 Wave 45 Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) as of March 12, bringing total FY2025 commitments to over $2.61 billion. Schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators can now access individual FCDL notifications through the Notifications section of their landing page in the EPC system, where they will find details about their specific funding awards and any conditions attached to those commitments. For those interested in reviewing historical data or comparing current commitments, USAC's E-Rate Search Commitments Tool remains available to look up prior funding year commitment information. Participants should log into EPC promptly to retrieve their notifications and review all terms and conditions of their funding awards, as FCDLs contain important information about payment schedules, compliance requirements, and next steps in the funding process. There is no stated deadline for action, but schools and service providers should monitor their notifications regularly and respond to any outstanding questions or documentation requests from USAC to ensure smooth processing of their commitments.
Read full announcementFeb 19, 2026E-Rate In-Person Trainings & Conferences
USAC will conduct two dedicated E-Rate in-person training events in 2026—one in Phoenix, Arizona on September 15 and another in Washington, DC on September 24—where E-Rate experts will share program updates, provide training, and answer questions from both new and experienced participants including schools, service providers, and coordinators. In addition to these specialized trainings, USAC representatives will be attending three major conferences throughout early 2026: the Computers in Libraries Conference (March 17-19 in Arlington, Virginia), the Public Libraries Association Conference (April 1-3 in Minneapolis, Minnesota), and the Consortium for School Networking Conference (April 13-15 in Chicago, Illinois), where attendees can also connect with USAC staff to discuss E-Rate topics. While USAC will announce the registration date for the two dedicated training events at a later time, interested participants should monitor USAC communications for the official registration opening and consider these multiple opportunities to engage with E-Rate experts depending on their location and conference interests. No action is required at this time other than to stay informed about upcoming registration announcements and to plan attendance at whichever event is most convenient for your organization.
Read full announcementFeb 19, 2026EPC Update for BMIC Selection
USAC has released a system fix on February 19, 2026, at 9 p.m. to resolve an issue in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) that prevented applicants from selecting BMIC-only FCC Forms 470 when filing Category Two applications for Internal Connections, following recent changes to the 2026 Eligible Services List that reclassified certain BMIC services. Schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators who have draft FCC Form 471 applications can continue working on those drafts and will be able to select the correct Form 470 after the fix is deployed. Applicants who have already submitted and certified their FCC Form 471 but need to change which Form 470 they cited can file a RAL (Receipt Acknowledgment Letter) Modification Request before receiving their funding commitment decision letter; this modification process allows changes classified as ministerial or clerical errors and provides an organized format to help PIA reviewers understand the requested updates. Detailed guidance on eligible modification types and how to submit these requests is available through USAC's Ministerial & Clerical Errors page and the FCC Form 471 Receipt Acknowledgment Letter Modification Guide.
Read full announcementFeb 19, 2026SAM.gov Requirement for E-Rate Invoicing
# SAM.gov Banking Information Requirement for E-Rate Payments Starting in August 2026, USAC will transition to using SAM.gov banking information to process all Universal Service Fund reimbursement payments, which affects all E-Rate service providers and applicants (including schools) who submit invoices through the FCC Form 472/BEAR system. To continue receiving E-Rate reimbursements after this transition, all participants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) listed on their FCC Form 498 and establish an active SAM.gov account with a valid bank account attached. Because SAM.gov verification can take six to eight weeks, organizations should begin registering immediately rather than waiting until the August 2026 deadline. Additionally, SAM.gov accounts must be renewed annually, and failure to maintain an active account will prevent payment of USF reimbursements once the new system goes live. As part of this change, USAC will no longer collect or use banking information from the FCC Form 498, making the SAM.gov registration a critical requirement for any entity seeking E-Rate funding.
Read full announcementFeb 19, 2026FCC Form 470 Deadline Approaching
Schools and E-Rate coordinators must submit and certify their FCC Form 470 by Wednesday, March 4, 2026, to maintain compliance with E-Rate competitive bidding requirements for FY2026. This deadline is critical because the Form 470 initiates a mandatory 28-day waiting period before schools can select a service provider and file their FCC Form 471, which must be submitted before the April 1 application filing window closes. Any Form 470 submissions after March 4 will not allow sufficient time to complete the required competitive bidding process within the FY2026 funding cycle. Schools and coordinators should review USAC's Competitive Bidding Infographic to understand the full process, and both the "How to File an FCC Form 470" and "How to File an FCC Form 471" learning modules are available to guide them through all aspects of form preparation and submission. Participants should act immediately to gather necessary documentation and prepare their forms to ensure timely submission well ahead of the March 4 deadline.
Read full announcementFeb 19, 2026Service Provider Webinar
USAC is hosting a Service Provider Webinar on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. E.T., designed specifically for service providers who are new to the E-Rate program. This webinar will equip participants with essential skills including the ability to accurately describe E-Rate and its process steps, obtain a Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN), bid on projects, support applicants and beneficiaries, certify compliance, and submit invoices to USAC. Service providers interested in attending should register in advance, and USAC recommends reviewing the E-Rate Program Overview webinar beforehand to build foundational knowledge before the March 31st session. No deadline is specified for registration, but interested service providers should sign up promptly to secure their spot in this foundational training.
Read full announcementFeb 19, 2026Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) Review Process Webinar
# Program Integrity Assurance Review Process Webinar USAC is hosting a webinar on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. E.T. to help all E-Rate participants understand the Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review process for FCC Form 471 applications. This webinar is relevant to schools, service providers, and E-Rate coordinators who need guidance on navigating PIA reviews, which are a compliance component of the E-Rate funding process. Attendees will learn what the PIA review entails, how to prepare for potential reviews, how to respond to PIA inquiries if they arise, and how to interpret funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) that result from the review process. Participants interested in attending should register for the webinar at the link provided on the USAC website. This is an educational opportunity to strengthen compliance knowledge and ensure smooth processing of E-Rate applications, so coordinators and service providers managing applications should plan to attend or designate a team member to participate.
Read full announcementSummaries generated by AI · Source: USAC E-Rate Announcements