The E-rate filing window is now open with key deadlines approaching on Feb. 26 and March 25. Every school district received a 20% bump in Category 2 funding that expires after this year.
E-rate Category 2 Funding: “Use it or lose it” The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced a 20% increase in E-rate Category Two budgets for funding year 2020, which can be used to upgrade internal networks and improve classroom Wi-Fi. Districts should act now to use these vital funds as they will expire after this year.
Deadlines The E-rate competitive bidding process requires a request for bids (form 470) and a bid selection (form 471). The form 470 must be certified in the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) at least 28 days before the close of the filing window on March 25. The last possible day to certify a Form 470 and still be able to file a Form 471 for Funding Year 2020 is Feb. 26, 2020.
Learn More NJSBA recently hosted a webinar on E-rate Category 2 funding, presented by E-rate Consulting. Additional information is available on the EducationSuperHighway’s website.
For more information about the program, visit NJSBA’s E-rate page.