E-Rate Application Process Timeline – Dates to Remember for E-Rate Year
Click here to download a printer friendly PDF of the table below – Download E-Rate Application Timeline & Process Chart
| FOCUS | E-RATE APPLICATION PROCESS | RECURRING E-RATE SERVICES | NON-RECURRING E-RATE SERVICES | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APPLICABLE FORM | File Form 470 (Step 4) | File Form 471 (Step 6) | File Form 486 (Step 8) | File Form 472 BEAR Form or Setup Accounts for SPI (Step 9) | File Form 472 BEAR Form or Setup Accounts for SPI (Step 9) | ||||
| TASK | Work to identify E-Rate priorities for the funding year | Competitive bidding, school review of bids & selection of E-Rate service providers | E-Rate application window to request discounts | E-Rate review, begin E-Rate application approval process with USAC | File Form 486 in a timely manner | Delivery Dates (CAT 1 or CAT 2) | Be aware of deadline to file Form 472 or work with providers to setup SPI Discounts | Purchase/Install dates | Be aware of deadline to file Form 472 or work with providers to setup SPI Discounts |
| TIMELINE/DEADLINE | Sept – Dec | Oct – Jan | Jan – Mar | Mar – June | 120 days from FCDL or Service start date (whichever is later) | Funding Year: July 1 to June 30 | Oct 28 of following year | Funding Year: April 1 – Sept 30 | Funding Year: Jan 28 (of following year) |
