Navigating the complexities of E-Rate funding can be challenging, but with Zayo Education as your partner, it doesn\u2019t have to be. As a Top 5 E-Rate Service Provider, Zayo Education has helped over 19,000 K-12 schools across the U.S. secure the connectivity solutions they need to thrive. We\u2019ve facilitated over $1 billion in E-Rate funding for our customers, empowering schools to bridge the digital divide and modernize their network infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we enter our fourth E-Rate season since acquiring Education Networks of America (ENA) in 2022, Zayo Education continues to redefine connectivity in education. Our team offers more than connectivity solutions \u2014 we forge partnerships with our education customers, aligning our mission with theirs to deliver unparalleled customer support and innovative technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re also proud to share that Brian Dalhover, VP of SLED Enginnering & Policy, has joined the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors<\/a>. This appointment is a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed connectivity for all communities. With this leadership, Zayo Education is better positioned than ever to guide schools through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and USAC guidelines to help them secure E-Rate funding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those new to E-Rate, let\u2019s start with a quick rundown. The federal E-Rate program is a critical funding source for K-12 schools and libraries, enabling these institutions to access high-speed, reliable connectivity solutions. Using E-Rate funding, schools and libraries can modernize their networks and bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students and staff can access essential online resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information about the E-Rate application process and deadlines, visit USAC\u2019s E-Rate Program Overview<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each year, USAC publishes an Eligible Services List<\/a> outlining the products and services qualifying under the Schools and Libraries Program. At Zayo Education, we provide a comprehensive suite of E-Rate eligible solutions including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n On September 30, 2025, the FCC announced a new ruling<\/a> stating that E-Rate funding will no longer cover Wi-Fi hotspot services for off-campus use, including student home access and Wi-Fi on school buses. This change will take effect starting in FY 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The FCC has published a draft FY 2026 Eligible Services List<\/a> (ESL) outlining proposed modifications for internal connections. Notably, it suggests that software-based services, such as bug fixes, patches, and remote configuration for internal connection equipment, would become eligible if requested in the same fiscal year as the equipment itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants should update their student counts or library square footage as needed. The administrative window<\/a> to make those updates will remain open until shortly before the FY2026 application filing window opens in early 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Top-5 E-Rate services provider, Zayo Education has facilitated over $1 billion in E-Rate funds for our customers, and the benefits don\u2019t stop at funding. Zayo Education equips school districts and libraries with the network infrastructure required to support learning in a digital age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When the Kentucky Department of Education reevaluated connectivity partners for the first time in 30 years, they sought a vendor with proven E-Rate expertise<\/a>. David Couch, Chief Information Officer and Associate Commissioner of Education, explained, \u201cServing a corporation is different from serving K-12. ENA [now Zayo Education] stood out to us because of its history of focusing on K-12 and E-Rate in particular.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n KDE leveraged Zayo Education\u2019s E-Rate expertise and robust network solutions to achieve 75% more bandwidth than their previous service at the same cost. The additional bandwidth has been instrumental for KDE, enabling smooth operations of their various cloud-based systems and supporting their growing technological needs for years to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is E-Rate? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
E-Rate Eligible Services <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Key Updates for the Current E-Rate Season <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ineligibility of off-campus hotspots and school-bus Wi-Fi\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eligible Services List (ESL) changes and internal-connections software updates <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FY2026 will be the first year of the FY2026-2030 Category Two (C2) budget cycle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Action Items and Tips for IT and Education Admins <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Empowering Education: E-Rate Success Stories in Kentucky and Pinal County <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pinal County <\/h3>\n\n\n\n