E-Rate Discount Program Details and Eligibility

See if your school or library qualifies for discounted phone and internet service.

E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries

As part of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, E-Rate subsidizes the cost of Telecommunications Services, Internet Access and Internal Connections. The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly know as "E-Rate," is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Co (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. The Federal E-Rate program allows eligible schools and libraries to receive funding of 20–90% on most telecommunications services.

Ziply Fiber wishes to encourage our education customers to apply for all possible discounts. There are several steps required and applications must be submitted each year.

Any entity wishing to participate in the E-rate program should consult the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) website for information about the process, its governing rules, and the latest updates to the E-Rate program.

Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) Resources:

• Apply Online
• Find your Service Provider Information Number (SPIN)

SLD Contact Information:

Phone: 1.888.203.8100
Fax: 1.888.276.8736
Submit a Question
Note: Your question will be submitted directly to SLD and not to Ziply Fiber.

E-Rate Funding Application Process

Please review and choose the E-Rate Reimbursement Process option that works best for your organization.

Option 1: ACH Reimbursement (BEAR – FCC Form 472)

Step 1. Follow instructions per the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). See Instructions.

Option 2: Bill Discounts (SPI)

Step 1. Complete FCC Form 486 and return to the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

Step 2. Pay the non-discounted portion of your Ziply Fiber bill(s) by the required due date(s). Ziply Fiber bills must be paid in full until FCC Form 486 has been filed and discounts have been applied to your Ziply account.

Step 3. Fill out and submit the online Ziply Fiber E-Rate Certification Form.

Note: In order to provide the E-Rate discounts and allow for timely invoicing to the SLD, Ziply Fiber requires that certification paperwork be completed and returned no later than 75 days from the date you receive the 486 Notification Letter. Failure to complete this paperwork can adversely affect Ziply Fiber's ability to provide the discounts, and may result in the need for you to request a Funding Extension Request from the SLD, prior to Ziply Fiber providing any discounts.