E-rate news and analysis.

September 2026

SEP 22, 2026 Heads Up: E-rate’s Administrative Window Opens October 21 Funding windows SEP 22, 2026 The Form 486 Is Going Away in FY2028. Here’s What Changes, and What Consortium Leads Should Plan For Now. Policy & FCC SEP 22, 2026 A Rare Waiver Granted in E-rate Competitive Bidding Case Compliance SEP 22, 2026 What USAC Discussed at Its First In-Person Training of the Year PIA & reviews SEP 15, 2026 The Universal Service Fee Is Set to Rise October 1. Your E-rate Funding Is Not Affected. Policy & FCC SEP 15, 2026 September 30 Is Coming: Two Steps Between You and Your FY2025 Category Two Funding Funding windows SEP 14, 2026 FY2026 Funding Waves Continue Steady Progress Funding windows SEP 14, 2026 Seven Debarred from E-rate: The Fraud Cases Are Now Closed Compliance SEP 8, 2026 Procure in FY2027, Breathe Easier in FY2028 Funding windows SEP 8, 2026 Most Cybersecurity Pilot Money Is Committed. Most of It Has Not Been Paid Out Yet. Cybersecurity SEP 8, 2026 E-rate, Emergency Connectivity, and Cybersecurity: A District’s Decade of Federal Funding Cybersecurity SEP 3, 2026 Nearly Half of FY2026 E-rate Dollars Are Still Waiting on a Decision Funding windows SEP 2, 2026 Three Lessons from This Month’s FCC Appeal Decisions (Before You File Your Next Form 470 or 471) PIA & reviews SEP 2, 2026 USAC Moves to SAM.gov Banking September 8. Check Your Form 498 This Week. Policy & FCC SEP 1, 2026 Want to Weigh In on USAC’s Oversight Review? Comments Are Due September 30. PIA & reviews SEP 1, 2026 Keep Planning for FY2027. The Bidding Portal Isn’t Coming Until FY2028. Funding windows SEP 1, 2026 The Team Behind Your Funding Request Funding windows

August 2026

AUG 25, 2026 Nominations Open for Eight USAC Board Seats Governance AUG 25, 2026 Don’t Wait Until October: What to Check on Your FY2025 FRNs Now Funding windows AUG 25, 2026 FY2026 Reviews Aren’t Over Yet. 10 PIA Tips to Wrap Up Well. PIA & reviews