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FY2026 FORM 471 WINDOW DATES DEADLINE
USAC has announced the Funding Year (FY) 2026 FCC Form 471 application filing window dates: WINDOW OPENS Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). WINDOW CLOSES/FINAL DEADLINE TO SUBMIT & CERTIFY FORM 471: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET View the USAC announcement using the button below. Coordinate with your CSM representative regarding timeline planning , finalizing procurement steps, preparing/validating FRNs, and ensuring your Form 471 is submi
Dec 18, 20251 min read


FCC ADOPTS THE FUNDING YEAR 2026 E-RATE ELLIGIBLE SERVICES LIST (ESL)
On December 17, 2025 , the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau adopted and released the final Eligible Services List (ESL) for Funding Year (FY) 2026 and authorized USAC to open the FCC Form 471 application filing window . CSM expects USAC to announce the filing window soon, and that it will follow a typical cycle: opening mid-January and closing the third week of March. You can read the FCC Order here: FCC FY2026 Eligible Services List Order (DA 25-1069) . CSM is proud to hav
Dec 17, 20252 min read


MAKING CONNECTIONS AT CITE 2025!
CSM Consulting Inc. is making connections at CITE 2025! We are excited to continue showcasing our expertise and knowledge of the E-Rate program with Sacramento, CA, and the rest of the nation!
Dec 3, 20251 min read


CSM SUBMITS COMMENTS TO THE FCC 2026 DRAFT E-RATE ELIGIBLE SERVICES LIST
On October 15, 2025, CSM submitted comments to the FCC FY 2026 Draft E-Rate Eligible Services List. Due to the federal government shutdown these comments are not yet published on the FCC website under docket 13-184. Our goal is to help simplify the program and align it with how schools and libraries actually purchase and manage technology today. Here’s a quick summary of our key points: We support the FCC’s proposal to move all software licenses under Category Two – In
Oct 29, 20252 min read


CSM ADVOCACY ALERT: FCC REQUESTS COMMENTS ON E-RATE ELIGIBLE SERVICES LIST FOR FUNDING YEAR 2026
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comment on the E-Rate Eligible Services List for Funding Year 2026 . CSM is...
Oct 7, 20252 min read


FCC REVERSES COURSE ON SCHOOL BUS WIFI AND OFF-CAMPUS HOTSPOT ELIGIBILITY
On September 30, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued two decisions that directly impact how schools and libraries...
Oct 1, 20253 min read


E-RATE UPDATES: FY2025 COMMITMENTS AND PREPARING FOR FY2026
USAC has released Wave 13 of FY2025 Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) as of July 17, with total commitments now exceeding...
Jul 24, 20252 min read


MAKING CONNECTIONS AT GAMEIS 2025
Frank Biehl and Jessica Olsen at our CSM Consulting, Inc. booth for GAMEIS 2025 CSM Consulting Inc. is making connections at GAMEIS 2025,...
Jul 9, 20251 min read


SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS E-RATE PROGRAM: WHAT IT MEANS FOR SCHOOLS & LIBRARIES
Supreme Court Confirms Support for Affordable Connectivity On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an important decision that...
Jul 1, 20251 min read


E-RATE PROGRAM UPDATE: KEY DEADLINES, FUNDING NEWS, & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FROM USAC
As part of our commitment to keeping you informed and compliant with E-Rate program requirements, we’re sharing important updates from...
Jun 23, 20252 min read
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