Latest News: E-Rate

On April 1, 2026, the FCC released a streamlined decision resolving a large group of requests across several universal service programs, including E-Rate, the Emergency Connectivity Fund, Rural Health Care, High-Cost, and Lifeline. The action reflects the Bureau’s continued focus on enforcing filing deadlines, procedural requirements, and program rules while granting relief only in limited cases supported by precedent or unique circumstances. In the

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