E-Rate program

E-Rate is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides communications service discounts to eligible K-12 schools and libraries in the U.S. View the guide and ebook.

Meet eligibility requirements and define your network needs. File Form 470 to begin the 28-day bidding process, then file Form 471 before the deadline.

Discounts on eligible services for your schools and libraries depend on economic need as determined by the National School Lunch Program as well as the school (or library) location. For more information click here.

All of the forms, deadlines and supporting documentation are discussed in detail on the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website. You can get specific information on how to complete individual forms by reviewing form user guides and watching video tutorials. In addition, the reference area of the website contains information on deadlines, sample letters, frequently asked questions and other useful documents. The Client Service Bureau is also available to answer questions by telephone, at 888-203-8100, during normal business hours. USAC has provided a detailed chart with links to forms and their descriptors here. In addition, you can view a helpful flowchart about the E-Rate application process here.

SPI process

1. Complete the Spectrum Business for enterprise discount election form below and email it to our E-Rate/CTF invoicing organization at DLGSPDept@charter.com.
   
   SPI BEAR Discount Election Form CHTR.pdf
   
   
2. You will receive a case number for tracking purposes and will be contacted by our invoicing organization within one week.
   
   
3. Discounts will be applied retroactively, backdated to your July invoice, and will be reflected in the following invoice once the Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) has been completed by USAC and FCC Form 486 has been certified for each Funding Request Number (FRN).
   
   
4. Per FCC order 97-157, you are required to pay the undiscounted portion (charges after E-Rate discounts) to your service provider in order to qualify for the SPI method. You are welcome to pay your invoice based on your projected discounts until USAC completes the FCDL.

BEAR process

Applicants will file BEAR Forms online for all funding years without the requirement for service provider review and approval. Before applicants can be reimbursed by filing an FCC Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement Form), the following must occur:

• The applicant has certified — and USAC has successfully processed — an FCC Form 486
  
  
• The applicant has certified — and USAC has successfully processed — an FCC Form 498; for USAC to process direct payments, USAC must have on file an approved FCC Form 498 certified by the billed entity
  
  
• The applicant must have a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  
  
• USAC will pay applicants directly for all funding years; the billed entity must still file an FCC Form 472 (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement Form) for USAC to process payments
  
  
• Service providers will no longer approve BEAR Forms
  
  
• BEAR Forms will no longer be filed on paper
  
  
• Spectrum Business for enterprise utilizes one company SPIN: Charter Communications Operating, LLC 143050436

The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) provides discounts on select telecommunications services to qualifying California schools, libraries, hospitals, community colleges and other nonprofits. Your E-Rate discount can work in conjunction with a CTF discount. 

Once your organization is approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), you are required to notify your service provider before discounts can be applied to your bill. You will receive your approval notification about CTF funding via email. You can notify Spectrum Business for enterprise by following the steps below:

1. Complete the Spectrum Business for enterprise discount election form:
   below:
   
   SPI BEAR Discount Election Form CHTR.pdf
   
   
2. Email the form and forward a copy of the CPUC approval email to DLGSPDept@charter.com.
   
   If applicable, E-Rate discounts are applied first. CTF discounts are applied to the remaining undiscounted portion (after E-Rate discounts) of the eligible service charges.

Once the USAC issues your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) and you have submitted Form 486,* you will choose your preferred invoicing method: BEAR or SPI, outlined below.

BEAR: You pay for service charges in full and receive the E-Rate reimbursement directly from USAC.

SPI: Spectrum Business for enterprise provides applicable E-Rate discounts on your invoices, and you pay the remaining balance on the non-discounted portion.

*You will file Form 486 after your service starts or your product is delivered. On the form, you will identify the start date for services after the USAC has issued the FCDL. You must also certify that you are compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Technological Plan Certification Form (TPCF). This form must be filed before funds can be disbursed. Services do not begin until July 1. Complete Form 486.

To learn more, please visit the USAC Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) resources listed below.

E-Rate forms

Eligible services list

Calculating your discount

Required forms

We are happy to assist you in obtaining your eligible E-Rate Program discounts, and in transforming your schools and libraries into secure, rich digital learning environments.