E-Rate is a program administered by the the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
E-rate allows schools and libraries to receive discounts on telecommunications, internet access and related services. This funding allows schools and libraries to keep pace with constantly evolving technology.
Application Window
The Funding Year 2025 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) application filing window will open January 15, 2025 and close March 26, 2025.
Funding Year 2025 Important Dates
- January 9 – administrative window closes (make all EPC changes by this date)
- January 15 – E-Rate application filing window opens
- February 19 – last day to start a Form 470 with assistance from Amber Gregory
- February 26 – last day to file a Form 470
- March 19 – Last day to start a Form 471 with assistance from Amber Gregory
- March 26 – Last day to file a Form 471
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
All libraries that receive E-Rate discounts for Internet Access, Internal Connections, Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections or Managed Internal Broadband Services must be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Computers purchased with LSTA funds must also be CIPA compliant.
To be CIPA compliant, a library must:
- Filter visual images of child pornography, obscene material and images that are harmful to minors (for use on computers accessed by minors)
- Have an Internet Safety Policy
- Hold at least one meeting open to the public where the filter and internet safety policy are discussed. A board meeting open to the public is an example of a public meeting. Save meeting minutes and public notice announcing the meeting agenda. For information on open meetings and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, please visit the Arkansas Attorney General’s website.
Resources
- Eligible Services List (ESL) FY 2025
- E-Rate Program Information (USAC)
- FCC Registration Number Search (FCC)
- IMLS Data Catalog, includes FSCS code searching
- Acronyms & Glossary
- Timeline & Forms
For more information about the program, contact:
- Amber Gregory
- Manager of E-Rate Services
- [email protected] or (501) 682-8576.
