E-rate

E-rate Overview

Based on the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the E-rate program to provide schools and libraries affordable access to advanced telecommunications services. The E-rate program, also known as the Universal Service Schools and Libraries Program, is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Through discounts on eligible services and equipment, E-rate ensures that Texas students and educators have the connectivity they need to support digital learning and modern classroom technologies.

• Why should you apply for E-rate? FREE MONEY!
• Substantial cost-savings for internet and network improvements.
• Advances digital equity and expands student access statewide.
• Supports classroom innovation with stronger, more reliable networks.
• FY26 Texas State Match boosts funding further—maximizing federal impact.
   

Program Details

The E-rate section of USAC's website provides resources for new applicants or applicants continuing to participate in the program.

Eligible Services

• FY 2024 Eligible Services list
• FY 2025 Eligible Services list 

Important Dates 

E-rate Funding Year 2025 - Dates to Remember   

January 21, 2026:

The FY 2026 Form 471 application window opens at noon EST.  The window will close at 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2026.

January 23, 2026:

FY 2025 Form 486 deadline for applicants funded in Wave 23.  More generally, the Form 486 deadline is 120 days after the FCDL date, or the Service Start Date (typically July 1st), whichever is later.  The next Form 486 deadlines for FY 2025 are:

January 28, 2026:

Invoice deadline, and deadline to request an invoice deadline extension, for non-recurring services for FY 2024.

February 28, 2026:

Extended invoice deadline for FY 2024 recurring services for applicants with approved extension requests.

Other Resources

E-RATE Process

• E-rate Process Flowchart - New Contracts
• E-rate Process Flowchart - Existing Contracts

E-RATE Tips

• Applicants: Update your Account Administrator and User Permissions. USAC recommends reviewing and making changes to your E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) account administrator, if needed, and reviewing all permissions associated with your account. If your AA is not available (e.g., has left your organization), the Customer Service Center (CSC) at 888-203-8100 can help you transfer account administrator rights.
• Each year, USAC updates applicant profiles in EPC using the reviewed and approved profile information from their current year FCC Form 471 application(s). The EPC administrative window, allows applicants to make updates to their profile information to prepare for the upcoming FY2026 application filing window. Visit the EPC Administrative Window page to learn more about updating your EPC profile information.
• E-Rate forms for Applicants and Service Providers.
• State of Texas third-party verification emails for the E-Rate program regarding the eligibility of schools and libraries within Texas can be sent to erate@tea.texas.gov.
• State verification can only be provided to entities listed on the State valid file.
• It is important to pick the right entity types when creating your entity numbers. Applicants can reference the USAC website with links to the definitions of school entity subtypes. 

Cybersecurity Pilot Program

• Cybersecurity Pilot Program USAC website
• Cybersecurity Pilot Program webinar conducted by Funds for Learning
• Cybersecurity Pilot Program webinar slides conducted by Funds for Learning
• FCC's Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program website

USAC Training for FY 2026

USAC has a list of all webinars including recordings addressing the basics of E-rate available on the webinars page of the USAC website.

E-rate Discount Calculation

Your E-rate discount is calculated based on the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and whether your school or library is classified as urban or rural. Higher NSLP eligibility results in a greater discount, and rural applicants receive additional savings. Discounts range from 20% to 90% for Category 1 services (internet access) and 20% to 85% for Category 2 services (internal connections). To find your exact discount, review your NSLP data, confirm your urban/rural status, and apply the official E-rate Discount Matrix provided by USAC.

E-rate Federal Communications Commission Links

The following Federal Communication Commission (FCC) resources may be helpful:

• FCC E-rate Website (outside source)
• FCC Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Guidance (outside source)
• FCC Summary of the Second E-rate Modernization Order (outside source)

E-rate Universal Service Administrative Company Schools and Libraries Program Links

The following Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Schools and Libraries Program resources may be helpful:

• Schools and Libraries (E-rate) (outside source)
• USAC E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) (outside source)

Texas Broadband Development Office 

The Texas Broadband Development Office provides a variety of tools and resources supporting the expansion of broadband access across Texas.