Latest News: E-Rate

FCC Order DA 26-166 (February 17, 2026) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a series of E‑Rate appeals from applicants and service providers whose invoices were rejected as late, even though they were submitted before the deadlines reflected in Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) systems and tools.​ The FCC waived the E‑Rate invoice filing deadline rule (47 CFR § 54.514(a)) for these funding requests

What Happened The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has denied both the appeal and waiver request filed by Child Development Resources of Ventura County, Inc. (CDR) related to an Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) application for Wi‑Fi hotspots.​CDR had sought reimbursement for 1,502 hotspots at $249.99 each, plus 12 months of service, intended for pre‑K students and staff in its Head Start centers.​ USAC initially committed

FY2024 Recurring Services Invoice Deadline Approaching The final invoicing deadline for most FY2024 recurring service FRNs is fast approaching. Now is the time to confirm that all BEAR (Form 472) and SPI (Form 474) invoices are submitted and certified. For most applicants, October 28, 2025, was the last day to submit invoices. Applicants that received a one-time invoice extension have until Wednesday, February 25,

Program overview Eligibility highlights Funding and match structure Application and timeline Key action items for schools/libraries For more information TX FY2026 State Match Fund

FCC Issues January 2026 Streamlined Decisions Impacting Universal Service Programs January 2, 2026, | DA 26-1 The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau released its January 2026 Streamlined Public Notice (DA 26-1) resolving numerous appeals, waiver requests, and petitions for reconsideration across the E-Rate (Schools and Libraries), Cybersecurity Pilot, Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), Rural Health Care, and Lifeline programs. The Bureau granted limited relief where applicants

The deadline to submit BEAR and SPI invoices for non-recurring services for FY2024 and prior funding years is fast approaching. The final deadline is Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This later deadline reflects the September 30 purchase and installation deadline for internal connections equipment, which extends invoicing beyond the recurring services deadline. Please review all remaining FRNs and confirm that invoices have been submitted or