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June 26, 2023

Introduction

The E-Rate Central News for the Week is prepared by E-Rate Central. E-Rate Central specializes in providing consulting, compliance, and forms processing services to E-rate applicants. To learn more about our services, please contact us by phone (516-801-7804), fax (516-801-7810), or through our Contact Us web form. Additional E-rate information is located on the E-Rate Central website.

E-Rate for FY 2023:

USAC issued Wave 9 for FY 2023 on Thursday, June 22nd, for $58.9 million.  Total funding is now $1.48 billion. At this point, USAC has already funded 81.7% of the originally submitted applications representing 49.7% of the dollars requested.

ECF for 2021-2023:

Total commitments for all three ECF windows are $6.72 billion.  USAC has funded approximately 89% of the ECF applications representing 69% of the requested funding.

Window 3 applications are being funded down to the 60% urban band but could go lower if more funding becomes available.  We encourage all applicants, that have been funded beyond their actual needs, to file Post-Commitment Requests (“PCRs”) to reduce their funding commitments and free up dollars for other needy ECF applicants.

Upcoming Dates:

June 27     USAC will host a Beginning E-Rate Services Webinar (register).
June 30 The Form 486 deadline for FY 2022 Wave 46.  More generally, the Form 486 deadline is 120 days from the FCDL date or from the service start date (typically July 1st), whichever is later.  Upcoming Form 486 deadlines are:
Wave 47            07/07/2023
Wave 48            07/14/2023
Wave 49            07/21/2023
Wave 50            07/28/2023
Form 486s for FY 2023, for services to start in July 2023, can be filed now by checking the early filing certification (the first of the Form 486 certifications).  The first Form 486 deadline for FY 2023, for FCDLs issued on or before July 1st, normally October 29th (which is a Sunday this year), will be Monday, October 30, 2023.
June 30 The last day to:
  • Receive all recurring services for FY 2022 (including BMIC maintenance services, even if filed as one-time charges).
  • Light fiber (or request a service delivery deadline extension) for FY 2022 special construction projects.
  • Use the early filing certification on the Form 486 for FY 2023.
  • Enroll in (or renew enrollment, if needed) for the Community Eligibility Provision (“CEP”) program for the 2023-2024 school year.