FCC E-Rate

The Federal Communications Commission is the rule-making body over the Universal Services Programs including the Schools & Libraries Division (SLD).  The SLD program is commonly called “E-Rate” (Education Rate).

The FCC maintains a section on their web site for E-rate news and information related to the most recent Orders, specifically the E-rate Modernization Order (proceeding # 13-184). www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/e-rate-schools-libraries-usf-program

Forms used by the E-rate program are approved by the Office of Management and Budget. For status of approval of current and prior year forms, enter OMB Control number 3060-0806 in the search field. www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRASearch

USAC filings with the FCC –  https://www.usac.org/about/reports-orders/fcc-filings/

Major FCC Orders and Rulemaking Notices Regarding Universal Service are available on the USAC Web Site:  https://www.usac.org/about/reports-orders/fcc-orders/

Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission

Of special note for E-Rate are the following:

• FCC Named Decisions
• FCC Establishing Orders
• FCC Gift Rules
• FCC Erate Headlines-All Years

The FCC Electronic Comment Filing System may be used to submit comments and appeals to the FCC.

• How to Submit Comments to the FCC for E-Rate
• FCC Electronic Comment Filing System. https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/
• FCC ECFS User Manual. http://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/userManual/ecfsmanual.jsp

FCC Registration Numbers are required for all participants in E-rate (applicants, service providers, and consultants).  Access the FCC CORES system to search for or request a registration number. Participants may securely look up their specific red or green light status by accessing the FCC’s Red Light Display System.

• FCC CORES Registration System:https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
• FCC Red Light Display System (RLDS): https://apps.fcc.gov/redlight/login.cfm