All About the E-Rate Form 500

At HWC Consultants, we assist schools and school districts, pre-K and Head Start Programs, and libraries with applying for the E-Rate program - both Categories One and Two. The process includes multiple forms that need to be submitted to USAC. In this blog post, we will review the E-Rate FCC Form 500.

The Form 500 is an important step when it comes to making any adjustments needed to your application after your application has been approved. Therefore, the Form 500 can be submitted only after you have received a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) (click here to learn about the FCDL process). Have the FCDL information ready when filling.

We outline below a few of the reasons why you would be required to file a Form 500, and when and how to file it.

The Form 500 has multiple purposes:

• To adjust the funding year service start date or the contract expiration date.

• To cancel an approved Funding Request Number (FRN).

• To reduce the amount of an approved Funding Request Number (FRN).

• To request a service delivery extension for non-recurring services.

• To notify USAC of an equipment transfer.

When filling, you can make changes to just one or multiple FRNs on a FCDL.

The Form 500 must be filed online in the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC). After the Form has been successfully processed, USAC will issue a Revised Funding Commitment Decision Letter (RFCDL) in EPC and via email.

Detailed instructions provided by USAC for completing the Form 500 can be found here.

HWC Consultants are experts in E-Rate consulting, as well as telecom optimization audits, telecom contract negotiation, and telecom project management. Reach out to us for all of your E-Rate and telecom needs!