The FCC has officially opened the FY2026 E-Rate FCC Form 471 application window as of January 21, 2026 (12:00 p.m. ET). Applicants have until April 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET to submit and certify their forms.
If your organization plans to request E-Rate funding for FY2026, now is the time to take action.
Staying on top of deadlines is critical to securing funding. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
FCC Form 470 Deadline: March 4, 2026
Required to allow the minimum 28-day competitive bidding period
FCC Form 471 Deadline: April 1, 2026
Filing Platform:
All forms must be filed and certified in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)
USAC strongly encourages applicants to file early so applications can be reviewed promptly and funding commitment decisions can be issued as soon as possible.
If you’re actively planning for FY2026, now is the ideal time to:
Confirm that your EPC user access is active and up to date
Review the FY2026 Eligible Services List (ESL)
Finalize competitive bidding documentation and contracts
Submitting early helps you:
Avoid last-minute EPC or certification issues
Reduce the risk of missed deadlines
Speed up application review and funding decisions
Early preparation can make all the difference in a smooth and successful E-Rate application process.