E-Rate Application Timeline & Process

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)