The E-rate bidding season is off to a strong start, with the number of Form 470 requests for proposals (RFPs) filed between July and September 2025 at the highest level in five years, and significantly outpacing the same period last year. Early filing activity is often a bellwether for the year ahead, and this year’s surge suggests schools and libraries are preparing for a busy application window in early 2025.
Early Filings Up Across All Service Categories
Between July and September 2024, applicants filed 1,044 Form 470s, up sharply from 660 during the same period last year (FY2025). Each service category shows an upward trend:
- Internal Connections: 271 filings, nearly triple last year’s 99.
- Data Transmission/Internet Access: 726 filings, an 87% increase from 388.
- Managed Internal Broadband Services: 150 filings, up 34% from 112.
- Basic Maintenance: 194 filings, more than triple last year’s 61.
These early gains reflect renewed investment in internal network infrastructure, coupled with rising interest in managed broadband and maintenance services.
Context: Multi-Year Growth in E-rate Demand
Historically, total annual filing volumes have fluctuated modestly. Over the past five funding years, Internal Connections and Managed Broadband Services have shown steady growth, while Data Transmission and Internet Access filings have plateaued:
If current trends continue, FY2026 could mark the strongest start to the bidding season in five years, signaling healthy demand for broadband upgrades and cybersecurity-ready infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
The E-rate filing window typically opens in January and runs through March. These early indicators suggest districts are planning ahead — potentially motivated by heightened awareness of network security and the FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program.
Funds For Learning will continue monitoring Form 470 activity and provide updated analysis as the filing window approaches.
