E-Rate for FY 2025:
Wave 27 of Funding Commitment Decision Letters (“FCDL”s) for FY 2025 was released on Thursday, October 23rd, for $52.6 million. Total funding for FY 2025 is $2.23 billion. Currently, USAC has funded 91.4% of submitted applications, representing 71.6% of the dollars requested.
Cybersecurity Pilot Program:
The Form 471 application window for the Cybersecurity Pilot Program closed on September 15, 2025. Total pilot funding is capped at $200 million for 690 applicants. PIA review of Pilot applications has begun — slowly.
FCC, USAC, and the Government Shutdown:
With the government shutdown still in effect, it is worth appreciating the independence of USAC from the FCC. USAC remains in business and fully staffed. From an E-Rate perspective, the most visible aspect of the difference is that USAC continues to issue funding decisions on FY 2025 funding requests and to review and pay BEAR and SPI invoices. The FCC’s activities, by way of contrast, have been sharply curtailed with significant reductions in staffing. That has undoubtedly cut into the processing of FCC E-Rate waivers and appeals, and led to the cancellation of USAC webinars (which require FCC review). More importantly, it has slowed the release of the Eligible Services List for FY 2026 which could delay the opening of the Form 471 application window. Lack of coordination between USAC and the FCC may also be causing delays in the release of Cybersecurity Pilot Program awards.