E-RATE PROGRAM UPDATE: KEY DEADLINES, FUNDING NEWS, & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FROM USAC

mcichella
Jun 23
2 min read

As part of our commitment to keeping you informed and compliant with E-Rate program requirements, we’re sharing important updates from USAC’s June 2025 E-Rate News Brief. Please review the following highlights and take action where needed to ensure your funding stays on track.

Important E-Rate Updates & Reminders

FY2025 Funding Commitments Continue

USAC has released Wave 8 FCDLs for FY2025, totaling $1.27 billion as of June 18. You can access your commitment letters in EPC or search using the E-Rate Search Commitments Tool.

Service Delivery Deadline (Special Construction): June 30, 2025

If you received special construction funding for FY2024 (e.g., leased or self-provisioned fiber), the network must be lit by June 30 to remain eligible. Need more time?

Submit FCC Form 500 or a Special Construction Deadline Extension Request (SCDER) via EPC by June 30, 2025.
Delays due to weather or late FCDL are valid extension reasons.

FY2025 Invoicing Begins July 1

You (or your service provider) can begin invoicing after the following are completed:

FCDL issued
Service/equipment delivered
FCC Form 486 filed and processed
Your service provider filed FCC Form 473 (SPAC)

FCC Form 473 (SPAC) Due June 30 for FY2024

Service providers must file this form to enable invoicing. Missing a SPAC can delay reimbursements. We recommend confirming with all vendors that they’ve filed for FY2024—and any prior funding years if applicable.

Category Two Budget Update (FY2026–2030)

New multipliers are in effect for the next five-year cycle starting FY2026:

Schools: $201.57 per student
Libraries: $5.43 per sq. ft.
Funding floors: $30,175 (standard), $66,385.12 (Tribal libraries)

Start preparing updated student counts or square footage now to be ready for FY2026.

Tips for a Smooth Invoicing Process

Invoice only for USAC-approved items at the contracted rate
Confirm service delivery dates and usage
Keep documentation for at least 10 years
Avoid double-billing or exceeding committed amounts
Submit any invoice extension requests before the FRN’s deadline

Need a refresher? USAC offers video tutorials, step-by-step guides, and infographics on Invoicing.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

In-Person E-Rate Trainings

(Registration opens June 26)

Denver, CO – September 9
Washington, D.C. – September 16 (also available via livestream)

Live Webinars

Service Provider Orientation – June 24 @ 2 PM ET Register »
Tribal Library E-Rate Training (T-LEAP) – June 24 @ 4 PM ET Register »
FCC Form 470 & Competitive Bidding – July 17 @ 2 PM ET Register »