E-Rate
How E-Rate Works
Eligible schools that are looking to upgrade their networks with Wi-Fi solutions and networking equipment leverage a form 470 available at www.usac.org. FCC Form 470 is a "Description of Services Requested and Certification Form", and is the first form that must be filed by a school or library in the E-rate application process. The rules for determining the eligibility of existing and new contracts for E-rate purposes are quite precise and must be carefully followed.
After a mandatory public bidding window for integrators as well as approval from USAC, the school will then move to a Form 471 "Description of Services Ordered and Certification Form". This is the second form that must be filed by a school or library in the E-rate application process. Its purpose is to individually list all contracts and services for which the applicant is requesting discounts for the Wi-Fi solutions, networking equipment or wireless broadband technology the school or library intends on using for their school network. After final approval, the school may move forward with their project and receive funding.
Why Choose WAV for Your E-Rate Purchase?
WAV is your e-rate funding expert for school networks & wi-fi solutions! WAV offers Wi-Fi Solutions, Networking Equipment and Wireless Broadband technology for school networks and libraries. All the Wi-Fi solutions, networking equipment and wireless broadband technology we supply to these institutions are eligible for e-rate funding; a US federal subsidy program that bridges the digital divide and aims to bring digital equality to schools and places of learning that otherwise cannot afford to have or upgrade their school networks.
Reduce Install Time
Staging & kitting services offer install-ready deployments with the latest firmware installed, saving you time and money.
90-Day Terms
Manage cash flow with flexible financing options.
Inventory
WAV has one of the largest and most consistent stocking positions of e-rate equipment.
Cambium Networks' XV3-8 Wi-Fi 6 Access Point, a Wi-Fi solution that delivers reliable, consistent connectivity to school faculty and students alike. Cambium Networks set themselves apart by offering a centralized cloud management solution (cnMaestro) that enables optimized school network performance.
In addition, Cambium Networks Wi-Fi solutions are scalable, and can cover one individual school, or span district-wide to support more than 10,000 students. Cambium Networks technologies are designed to deliver high-bandwidth, stable internet at all times—even under heavy load. Gigabit speeds power classroom learning, while reliable connectivity ensures the focus can be kept on learning—and not on IT infrastructure.
RESOURCES
Cambium Networks E-Rate Resource Center ↗
Campus Wi-Fi Solutions From Cambium Networks
Campus Area Network Multi-Gigabit Wireless Connectivity
DEMOS
Cambium Networks cnMaestro One Network
Cambium Networks cnMaestro Application Visibility & Control
PROMOS
RUCKUS Networks offers high-performance, secure, and scalable networking solutions explicitly designed to meet the needs of K-12 schools and libraries using E-Rate funding.
Key differentiators of RUCKUS compared to the competition include high-performance connectivity, scalable solutions, robust security features, cost-effective implementation, and the flexibility to support future tech needs in education.
RESOURCES
Top E-Rate Fundable Emerging Technologies for 2024-25 ↗
How to Supplement Your E-Rate Budget ↗
Top Mistakes in the E-Rate Process and How to Avoid Them ↗
New Technology Trends Are Reshaping Higher Education ↗
E-Rate Category 2: Eligible Services
6 Steps for a Successful E-Rate Season
RESOURCES
What's New In E-Rate in 2025?
- Since 2021 the Category 2 Budgets will be fixed for each 5 year period going forward
- Budgets from 2021 and beyond will be on a school district or library system basis.
- Funding Floor increase to $25,000 per site
- School Bus Wi-Fi became eligible in 2024
- Move to make Cyber Security Pilot $200M for 3 years announced
- The per-student Category 2 budget allocation will be $167 for schools through 2025
