E-rate News

Verlyne Jolley, CEMP

by Verlyne Jolley

Beyond the Bidding Portal: The FCC’s April Order Also Made Life Easier in Several Important Ways

The FCC’s April 30 order got most of its attention for the new competitive bidding portal. We’ll cover that in depth in future issues. But the same order included six other changes...

by Funds For Learning

Wave 1 Funds More Than 60% of FY2026 Applicants — $1 Billion Committed

Wave 1 by the numbers On May 1, 2026, USAC released the first wave of FY2026 E-rate funding commitments. 12,977 applicants — more than 60% of those who filed —...

by Funds For Learning

FCC Approves Bidding Portal for Funding Year 2028. Your Funding Year 2027 Filings Are Unchanged.

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-0 today to adopt the Report and Order on the competitive bidding portal for the E-rate program. The Order was adopted with Commissioner Gomez approving...

by Funds For Learning

Before Thursday’s Vote, the E-rate Community Speaks With One Voice on the Bidding Portal

The E-rate community just spoke with one voice. Ninety-plus organizations, school districts from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, library associations, service providers, and consulting firms all signed the same letter opposing...

by Funds For Learning

New SAM.gov Banking Requirements Starting Soon

Beginning in August 2026, the USAC will begin using banking information from SAM.gov to process payments for all Universal Service Fund (USF) invoices. This change impacts service providers and E-rate...

by Funds For Learning

Mark Your Calendar: USAC’s 2026 E-rate In-Person Trainings

As the E-rate program year continues, staying informed on the latest E-rate program updates and procedural requirements is essential for both applicants and service providers. To support your success, the...

by Funds For Learning

FCC Opens Review of USAC Operations, Seeks Public Comment

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public input on possible changes to the operations and oversight of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers E-rate and other...

by Funds For Learning

FCC Signals Fundamental Shift in E-rate Procurement That Could Increase Burden and Reduce Competition

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released its tentative agenda for the April 30 Open Commission Meeting, and one item in particular deserves close attention from schools and libraries participating...