What is E-Rate?
The Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Program (E-Rate) provides discounts of 20% to 85% on eligible telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections for K-12 schools and libraries. Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), E-Rate distributes approximately $4 billion annually.
Web Filtering is Category 2
Content filtering/web filtering falls under Category 2: Internal Connections. This means your school can use E-Rate to fund KyberGate at discounts of 20-85% based on your poverty level.
85%
Max discount
High poverty
$4B
Annual fund
Total E-Rate
5yr
Category 2 cycle
Budget period
$167
Per student cap
Cat 2 budget
E-Rate Discount Levels
Your discount is based on the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and whether your school is urban or rural.
| Free/Reduced Lunch % | Urban Discount | Rural Discount | KyberGate Pro Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| <1% | 20% | 25% | $7.20 |
| 1-19% | 40% | 50% | $5.40 |
| 20-34% | 50% | 60% | $4.50 |
| 35-49% | 60% | 70% | $3.60 |
| 50-74% | 70% | 80% | $2.70 |
| 75-100% | 80% | 85% | $1.80 |
*Based on KyberGate Pro at $9/device/year with urban discount applied
E-Rate Filing Timeline
Planning
Assess current web filtering needs, budget for match, identify poverty data
Form 470
Post FCC Form 470 to begin 28-day competitive bidding period
Evaluate Bids
Review vendor responses, conduct demos, select most cost-effective solution
Form 471
File FCC Form 471 before the window closes (usually late March)
PIA Review
USAC reviews your application (Program Integrity Assurance)
Funding Year Starts
Deploy web filtering, begin service period, file Form 486
How to File for E-Rate Web Filtering
1. Post FCC Form 470
Request competitive bids for web filtering services. Include 'Content Filtering' as a Category 2 service. Post on the USAC EPC portal and wait 28 days for the competitive bidding period.
2. Evaluate Bids
Review vendor responses using your evaluation criteria. Cost-effectiveness must be the primary factor. Document your evaluation process — USAC may audit this.
3. Select Provider
Choose KyberGate (SPIN: 143064419). Sign your contract/service agreement before filing Form 471.
4. File FCC Form 471
Submit your Form 471 before the filing window closes. Include your contract, correct SPIN, and accurate cost/discount calculations.
5. Wait for FCDL
USAC will issue a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL). This typically takes 2-4 months.
6. File Form 486
Once funding is approved and services begin (July 1), file Form 486 to certify CIPA compliance and activate your funding.
7. Invoice USAC
File FCC Form 474 (SPI) or Form 472 (BEAR) to receive your E-Rate reimbursement. KyberGate can file the SPI on your behalf.
KyberGate E-Rate Information
USAC SPIN Number
143064419
E-Rate Category
Category 2 — Internal Connections
Service Type
Content Filtering / Web Filtering
Eligible Plans
Basic ($5/dev/yr), Pro ($9/dev/yr), Enterprise (custom)
Billing Model
Annual subscription (per device)
CIPA Compliance
Included — automated compliance reporting
Common E-Rate Filing Mistakes
❌ Filing Form 471 before the 28-day bidding period ends
✅ Set a calendar reminder. The 28 days starts from Form 470 posting, not from when you receive bids.
❌ Not documenting your vendor evaluation process
✅ Keep written records of how you evaluated each bid. Cost-effectiveness must be the primary criterion.
❌ Signing a contract before posting Form 470
✅ You cannot have a pre-existing contract. Post Form 470 first, then evaluate, then sign.
❌ Forgetting to file Form 486 after approval
✅ Form 486 certifies CIPA compliance and activates funding. Missing it means you don't get paid.
❌ Using the wrong SPIN number
✅ Double-check the vendor's SPIN on the USAC portal. KyberGate's SPIN is 143064419.