Latest News: E-Rate

On December 17, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the Funding Year (FY) 2026 E‑Rate Eligible Services List (ESL), outlining the products and services eligible for E‑Rate discounts in the upcoming funding cycle. The FY2026 ESL remains consistent with prior years, continuing the program’s focus on high‑speed connectivity and modern network infrastructure. Category One Services — Broadband internet access, data transmission, and leased lit and

E‑Rate Program Updates – December 2025 Highlights As we approach the start of the FY2026 application cycle, several important updates from USAC and the FCC will impact applicants and service providers. Below is a summary of key announcements from the December 18, 2025, E‑Rate News Brief. Update Your EPC Profile During the EPC Administrative Window before January 16, 2026. The EPC Administrative Window closes January 16, 2026.

On December 17, 2025, the FCC issued the first Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) under the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, committing $18.8 million to 140 applicants across 222 Funding Request Numbers (FRNs), representing approximately 9.4% of the total pilot budget. On December 18, 2025, USAC released the Cybersecurity Pilot FCC Form 471 open data. This publicly available dataset includes participant information; requested

In a June 27, 2025, decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF), including the E-Rate and RHC programs that support affordable internet for schools, libraries and rural healthcare facilities. The FCC v. Consumers’ Research challengers argued that Congress gave the FCC and its nonprofit fund administrator, too much authority, violating the Constitution’s nondelegation doctrine. The Court

January 16, 2025—The Federal Communications Commission today selected 707 participants for the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, including 645 schools and districts, 50 libraries, and 12 consortia. View the full article here