Arizona E-Rate Program

The E-Rate Program is a national program offered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers the Universal Service Fund on behalf of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). As an independent not-for-profit under the guidance of the FCC, USAC's mission is to bring the high-speed Internet (broadband) to areas of the country underserved by existing utilities.

The Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program helps schools and libraries connect to broadband Internet and voice services at discounted rates. For information on Free and Reduced Lunch numbers click the link: http://www.azed.gov/hns/frp/

 

Funding Year 2022—It's Time to Get Started

With the new changes and updates to the E-rate program, we highly recommend that Arizona schools and districts begin preparing for the Funding Year 2023 application now.

E-Rate Forms and Guides

 

Applying for E-Rate

USAC's Schools and Libraries Program "Before You Begin" webpage provides thorough documentation of the application process. To start, you might want to check out their application process flowchart.

E-Rate Application Process Flow Chart

 

An E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) account is required to apply for the program. If you do not already have an account, contact Arizona's E-rate Coordinator, Milan Eaton.

  • Category 1 and Category 2 services can be submitted on the same 470.  You can also submit multiple 470s.
  • Dates and spellings must be consistent across applications and the FRN. Many applications are rejected due to simple, easy to fix, errors. Double-check all applications and forms before filing.
  • Multi-year contracts, up to 5 years, makes the application process more streamlined.
  • New FCC Form 470 will be only online and is available now.

E-Rate Forms and Guides

  • ALL applicants must file their FCC Form 471 online.
  • Item 21 is embedded in the FCC Form 471 beginning 2015.
  • Discounts are calculated for the organization as a whole.
  • Rural status is determined at the district/system level and only if more than 50% of schools are rural.
  • Do not request more than $170 per student over a 5 year term (it will save you PIA questions later)
  • Include a full list of all Item 21 items (it will save questions later)

E-Rate Forms and Guides

On the day the FCDLs are mailed, you can check to see if you have a commitment by using USAC's Automated Search of Commitments tool.

State Carrier Contract (Award 5-26-20):
In accordance with A.R.S. §41-2534 and A.A.C. R2-7-C317, it is hereby determined that entering into contracts with the following Offerors is most advantageous to the State based on the evaluation factors set forth in the aforementioned solicitation.
Statewide Form 470 # 200000218
app.az.gov/page.aspx/en/ctr/contract_browse_public

Cable One (Sparklight) - CTR049871 (Rudy Gutierrez) 

CenturyLink (Lumen) - CTR049872 (Antonette Morgan-Roseboro)

Citizens Utilities (Frontier) - CTR049885 (Valerie Collins)

Cox - CTR049873 (Mark Coltvet)

Crown Castle - CTR049884 (Quotes - Jon Rosen) (Questions - Peter O'Brien)

Gila Local Exchange / Alluvion- CTR049874 (Cynthia Bell)

Simply Bits - CTR049875 (Jim Logan)

Smith Bagley (AT&T / Cellular One) - CTR049876 (Ian Hathcock)

Verizon - CTR049877 (Tyler Todd)

Windstream Services - CTR049878 (Julie Rollins)

Zayo - CTR049879 (Todd Temple)

FirstDigital Telecom - CTR050959 (Richard Barner)

2020 Arizona Contract Award Determination

E-Rate Requirements In The Use Of A State Master Purchase Agreement

From the Office of Digital Teaching and Learning Blog

Office of Digital Teaching & Learning August Newsletter Thu, Dec 1 2022

Office of Digital Teaching & Learning August Newsletter
TrustEd Apps Training for Administrators Mon, Oct 3 2022

In this workshop, Arizona LEAs will be trained in the foundations of student data privacy and accessibility and how to utilize a rubric to vet applications. Other criteria for vetting applications will be incorporated into the training including the following: interoperability with existing applications, teacher and student ease of use, and instructional relevance and purpose. Using the TrustEd Apps Management Suite (TAMS) from 1EdTech, the Arizona LEAs will collaborate on the best practices for sharing the use of digital learning tools and resources with other educators in their schools and districts and will learn strategies for providing professional development in digital learning for their colleagues.