Navigating the complexities of E-Rate funding can be challenging, but with Zayo Education as your partner, it doesn’t 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’ve facilitated over $1 billion in E-Rate funding for our customers, empowering schools to bridge the digital divide and modernize their network infrastructure.
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 — we forge partnerships with our education customers, aligning our mission with theirs to deliver unparalleled customer support and innovative technology.
We’re also proud to share that Brian Dalhover, VP of SLED Enginnering & Policy, has joined the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors. 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.
What is E-Rate?
For those new to E-Rate, let’s 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.
For more information about the E-Rate application process and deadlines, visit USAC’s E-Rate Program Overview.
E-Rate Eligible Services
Each year, USAC publishes an Eligible Services List 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:
- Managed Firewall: Zayo’s E-Rate eligible Managed Firewall solution uses our resilient infrastructure to block threats at the source, maintain uptime, and minimize bandwidth strain. This robust, scalable security solution adapts to your school’s needs, ensuring continuous protection and network stability.
- Dedicated Internet Access (DIA): Backed by our expansive network, our DIA ensures your high-speed connections stay fast and reliable to support your school’s digital learning initiatives.
- WANs: Create reliable, private networks across various school sites. Our fully managed WAN solution supports diverse traffic needs, reduces costs, and simplifies management so your team can focus on education, not network complexities.
Key Updates for the Current E-Rate Season
Ineligibility of off-campus hotspots and school-bus Wi-Fi
On September 30, 2025, the FCC announced a new ruling 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.
Eligible Services List (ESL) changes and internal-connections software updates
The FCC has published a draft FY 2026 Eligible Services List (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.
FY2026 will be the first year of the FY2026-2030 Category Two (C2) budget cycle
Applicants should update their student counts or library square footage as needed. The administrative window to make those updates will remain open until shortly before the FY2026 application filing window opens in early 2026.
Key Action Items and Tips for IT and Education Admins
- Review your upcoming FY 2026 planning now, especially for internal network infrastructure (Category 2). Since budget cycles are set, planning early is advantageous.
- If you were relying on E-Rate funding for bus Wi-Fi or lending portable hotspots to students for home use, you’ll need to identify alternate funding streams since those are no longer eligible under E-Rate starting FY 2025.
- Make sure your entity’s profile (student counts, NSLP eligibility, library square footage, admin users) is accurate and updated ahead of filing windows. Mistakes here can impact budget calculations or eligibility.
- Ensure competitive bidding compliance: file the FCC Form 470, wait the 28-day minimum, then file the FCC Form 471 within the window. Missing these sequences can cause problems.
- Keep tracking the Eligible Services List (ESL) updates — what hardware, wiring, software, maintenance will be eligible. For example: if you have a large internal network upgrade planned, verify software licenses and remote config services eligibility.
- Monitor deadlines for invoicing and form certification — for example, the Form 486 deadline and invoicing deadlines. Failure to invoice in time may lead to loss of funds or inability to get reimbursement.
Empowering Education: E-Rate Success Stories in Kentucky and Pinal County
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’t stop at funding. Zayo Education equips school districts and libraries with the network infrastructure required to support learning in a digital age.
Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)
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. David Couch, Chief Information Officer and Associate Commissioner of Education, explained, “Serving 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.”
KDE leveraged Zayo Education’s 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.
Pinal County
Pinal County partnered with Zayo to establish an equitable learning environment for students at home and in the classroom. Through E-Rate and matched state funding, Zayo deployed over 320 miles of fiber in the area, delivering a continuous fiber network to every K-12 campus in the county.
With broadband access, we can revolutionize education, empower the economy, and improve the delivery of critical human services.
The new private, dedicated infrastructure in Pinal County paved the way for enhanced connectivity in community anchor institutions and at-home Internet. Peter Lin, Associate Superintendent of Technology at Pinal County Schools, emphasized the impact: “With broadband access, we can revolutionize education, empower the economy, and improve the delivery of critical human services.”
Transforming Digital Education
Zayo Education is committed to bridging the digital divide and advancing equitable access to digital learning. Whether you’re navigating solution eligibility or need expert advice on solutions for your school district, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
As an approved provider of key national and regional education contracts, we can help you easily procure our solutions. Explore these sourcing agencies to learn more.