What It Does
The E-Rate Wizard guides you through the federal E-Rate application process from eligibility check to form generation. It uses your school's FRL data to calculate discount rates, identifies eligible service categories, and generates pre-filled Form 470 and Form 471 templates ready for submission.
Each step validates before you can proceed, reducing errors that cause delays or rejections.
Who It's For
Educators and district technology directors applying for E-Rate funding for internet access, telecommunications, and internal connections. Especially helpful for first-time E-Rate applicants who are unfamiliar with the process.
How to Use It
- Open E-Rate Wizard from the sidebar under the Funding Suite.
- Enter your school or district to check E-Rate eligibility and load FRL data.
- Review the discount summary showing estimated discount percentage by category.
- Select the services you need (Category 1: Internet/telecom, Category 2: Internal connections).
- Follow the guided workflow through each application step, entering required details as prompted.
- Generate pre-filled Form 470 and Form 471 templates at the end of the workflow.
- Download the completed forms for final review and USAC submission.
Tips
- Start the E-Rate process early — the annual filing window opens in fall and closes in spring, but preparation should begin months before.
- The discount calculator shows your rate by category. Category 1 typically has higher discount rates than Category 2.
- Save your progress at any step. The wizard remembers where you left off.
Plan Required
Starter ($99/mo) for eligibility check and discount calculator. Professional ($249/mo) for form generation and guided workflow.
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