E-rate Analysis

USAC Launches FY2026 Form 470 Filing Tool: E-rate Season Officially Begins

Today, July 1, 2025, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) activated the Form 470 filing feature in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC), officially opening the door for schools and libraries...

by John Harrington

The Library Wi-Fi Gap: Two-Thirds Aren’t Using Their E-rate Discounts

A Missed Opportunity Imagine discovering that two-thirds of eligible families never use their available food assistance benefits. That is the reality facing libraries when it comes to E-rate Category 2...

by Verlyne Jolley

FY2025 Form 471 Filing Trends: Why Filing Early Matters

As of June 4, 2025, analysis of the FY2025 Form 471 applications reveals a compelling correlation between early submissions and higher funding success rates. By segmenting applications into four distinct...

by Alfred Njuguna

Estimated FY2026-2030 Category Two Budgets

As schools and libraries expand their digital infrastructure, understanding how budget requirements scale relative to the number of sites served is critical for both administrators and policymakers. Category Two of...

by John Harrington

3 Hidden Insights from Last Year’s E-rate Survey—and Why Your Voice Matters

Every year, the E-rate program plays a critical role in connecting students and library patrons to the internet. Yet behind the data points and funding totals, there are stories—real-world challenges...

by John Harrington

The Consultant Factor: Measuring the Impact on E-rate Funding Success

Internet access is essential in education—it’s no longer a nice-to-have. The FCC’s E-rate program provides critical funding to help schools and libraries stay connected, but the application process is complex....

by John Harrington

Why Some Schools Miss Out on Wi-Fi Funding

The E-rate program was designed to ensure every student in every school—regardless of size or geography—has access to reliable internet infrastructure. But as our recent analysis of Category 2 (C2)...

by John Harrington

E-rate is Working: Broadband Costs for Schools Continue to Decline

Reliable internet access is essential for student success. Across the nation, educational leaders and policymakers continue to rely on the E-rate program to help schools secure affordable broadband. Funds For...