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E-RATE FUNDING

E-Rate Funding Guide for Web Filtering

How to save up to 85% on school web filtering through the federal E-Rate program.

12 min read · Updated March 2026

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 DiscountRural DiscountKyberGate 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

  1. Nov–Dec

    Planning

    Assess current web filtering needs, budget for match, identify poverty data

  2. Jan

    Form 470

    Post FCC Form 470 to begin 28-day competitive bidding period

  3. Feb

    Evaluate Bids

    Review vendor responses, conduct demos, select most cost-effective solution

  4. Mar

    Form 471

    File FCC Form 471 before the window closes (usually late March)

  5. Apr–Jun

    PIA Review

    USAC reviews your application (Program Integrity Assurance)

  6. Jul 1

    Funding Year Starts

    Deploy web filtering, begin service period, file Form 486

How to File for E-Rate Web Filtering

  1. 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. 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. 3. Select Provider

    Choose KyberGate (SPIN: 143064419). Sign your contract/service agreement before filing Form 471.

  4. 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. 5. Wait for FCDL

    USAC will issue a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL). This typically takes 2-4 months.

  6. 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. 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.

E-Rate FAQ

Is web filtering eligible for E-Rate funding?

Yes. Web filtering qualifies under E-Rate Category 2 (Internal Connections). Content filtering is specifically listed as an eligible service by USAC. Both the software license and cloud hosting components of web filtering are fundable.

What is KyberGate's E-Rate SPIN number?

KyberGate's USAC Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) is 143064419. You'll need this when filing your FCC Form 470 and Form 471 to identify KyberGate as your web filtering provider.

How much can my school save with E-Rate?

E-Rate discounts range from 20% to 85% based on your school's poverty level (free/reduced lunch percentage) and urban/rural status. A school with 75% free/reduced lunch eligibility could pay as little as $0.75/device/year for KyberGate Pro (normally $9).

When should I file for E-Rate web filtering?

The E-Rate filing window typically opens in January and closes in March. However, you should post your FCC Form 470 at least 28 days before the window closes. Start planning in November-December for the following funding year (July 1 - June 30).

Does my school need to be CIPA compliant for E-Rate?

Yes. CIPA compliance is a requirement for E-Rate funding. You must have an adopted Internet safety policy, have held a public hearing, and have technology protection measures (web filtering) deployed. KyberGate makes CIPA compliance automatic.

Can I use E-Rate for student safety monitoring?

Student safety monitoring features bundled with web filtering (like KyberPulse) are generally eligible when they are an integral part of the content filtering service. Standalone monitoring tools without filtering may not qualify. Consult your E-Rate consultant for specifics.

What if my E-Rate application is denied?

Common denial reasons include filing errors, missed deadlines, or insufficient competitive bidding documentation. You can appeal within 60 days. KyberGate's team can help review your application before submission to minimize rejection risk.

Ready to file E-Rate for web filtering?

KyberGate's SPIN is 143064419. We'll help you through the filing process.

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