In its January 2024 News Brief, USAC provided guidance to schools who will be requesting discounts on school bus Wi-Fi products and services for Funding Year 2024. The Form 471 now has a new “Function” option for FRN line items called “Wireless School Bus Service,” and once chosen, a “Type of Connection” value must be chosen, such as “Wireless data service,” “Equipment,” or “Installation.” In addition, applicants requesting discounts on bus Wi-Fi must indicate the number of school buses that will be outfitted with Wi-Fi service. USAC also asks applicants to:
- Submit a separate FCC Form 471 for Wireless School Bus Services.
- Submit a separate funding request number (FRN) for each contract or vendor for these services.
- Use “School Bus Wi-Fi” or similar name as the FCC Form 471 nickname.
- List all schools as recipients of service that will be served by the buses.
USAC’s News Brief, with bus Wi-Fi instructions, may be viewed here.
