Get Started
The E-Rate program helps ensure that schools and libraries can obtain high-speed internet access and telecommunications at affordable rates. The E-Rate program is administered by USAC with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Are you eligible?
To participate in the E-Rate program, schools and libraries must meet eligibility requirements and ensure that they are requesting eligible equipment and/or services.
Schools (public or private, K-12) libraries, and groups of schools and libraries (e.g., consortia, districts, and systems) can apply for discounts on eligible equipment and services. View a full list of Eligible Applicants. Internet access, telecommunications services, and related equipment are eligible for discounts. View a full list of Eligible Services.
What is Your Role?
Learn about the first step you need to take if you are an eligible applicant or service provider participating in the E-Rate program.
- If you are an eligible applicant requesting eligible equipment and/or services, your first step is to register for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) using the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES).
- Once you create an FRN, you will need to call the Customer Support Center (CSC) at (888) 203-8100 to set up an account in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) and obtain a Billed Entity Number (BEN) for your organization. The CSC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
- Once your EPC account is created, you will receive an email informing you to create a new password, accept the terms and conditions, and log in using multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- You must have an Account Administrator who manages your account, grants rights to other users, and provides or updates information on the schools in your school district or libraries in your library system. The Account Administrator must be an employee of the school or library organization.
- Once you have an account in EPC, you will begin by filing the FCC Form 470 (Description of Services Requested and Certification Form).
- If you are a service provider providing eligible equipment and/or services, your first step is to register for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) using the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES).
- Next, complete an FCC Form 498 Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and General Contact Information Form (SPIN).
- On the FCC Form 498, you will have the option to identify yourself as the Account Administrator or General Contact.
- The Account Administrator will receive an email from USAC to accept the terms and conditions in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC). The Account Administrator will have the ability to log into EPC and see the information they filed on the FCC Form 498, including the General Contact information. The Account Administrator can also add authorized users to access their account.
- For more information about first steps for service providers, visit the Service Providers Get Started page.
USAC is committed to helping E-Rate applicants located on Tribal lands participate effectively in the E-Rate program. The E-Rate program hosts Tribal teleconferences and training series throughout the year to discuss special topics, share program updates, and answer questions from Tribal partners.
Visit the Tribal Nations Programs page for more information.
Contact Us
Program participants can receive assistance with program questions, problems, and system issues by calling the E-Rate Customer Service Center (CSC) at (888) 203-8100 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Universal Service Fund contributors and service providers can go to the Service Providers Contact Us page for additional assistance.