E-RATE FORM 471 FILING WINDOW NOW OPEN FOR FY2022

The filing window for Form 471 for Fiscal Year 2022 is now open! It will remain open through Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. To start the competitive bidding process, you must have submitted a Form 470 before submitting a Form 471. The last date to submit and certify a Form 470 and wait the required 28 days between form submissions is Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

S3 recommends filling out your form submissions as early as possible to ensure timely funding distribution. First-time filers will need to set up an account with the E-Rate Productivity Center. For FAQs and resources on setting up accounts and submitting forms, the USAC has provided a reference page that can be found here.

The services covered by E-Rate fall into two categories: Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 services include Data Transmission and Internet Access. Minimally, all schools should apply for Category 1 service discounts. Schools are already paying for Internet services, so getting a discount on these services through E-Rate could be a big cost-savings. Category 2 services include Internal Connections, Managed Internal Broadband Services, and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections. A school should consider applying for Category Two Service discounts if they are looking to install or update local area networks. These upgrades could include wireless access points (WAPs), cabling, switches, routers, uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs) or other components related to internal connections. Category Two also covers basic maintenance of these internal connections which may also be an expense the school is already paying.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you are going to apply for Category 2 funding, call S3 at 330-359-1785 or send us an email at help@mys3tech.com. S3 Technologies is committed to helping you make the most of your EdTech funding opportunities!